Fergie vows to support rivals

Sir Alex Ferguson has promised Liverpool total support ahead of what he accepts will be an emotional encounter with United on Sunday.

The game will be the first to be played at Anfield since the damning report on the Hillsborough tragedy was released last Wednesday, placing the blame for the disaster, in which 96 people died, on South Yorkshire Police and other services.

Yet the chants of a few United fans during Saturday’s win over Wigan at Old Trafford highlighted the potential for trouble.

Ferguson, who has already appealed for a line to be drawn in the sand by supporters of both clubs, has offered Liverpool unqualified support.

“It is going to be a very emotional day on Sunday and we will support them in every way we can,” said Ferguson.

“As a club we are totally supportive of Liverpool in the situation they are in. We understand what those families must have felt when they got that report.

“I didn’t hear it (on Saturday), but others did, particularly in the directors’ box.

“(Chief executive) David Gill was disappointed.”