Even that incendiary figure, Sir Alex Ferguson, has appealed for an end to the bitterness that, unlike United versus Arsenal or Rafael Benitez versus Jose Mourinho, does not spill out on to the pitch whenever Liverpool and his team meet.

“It is always a fiercely fought encounter but, considering the intensity, also one fought fairly,” said the United manager. “The reason is that the players have a great deal of respect for each other, a regard that I wish was shared a little bit more by the supporters of our two clubs.

“Of course, there is a great rivalry among the fans and I understand that, but we mustn’t let it run out of control and as well as the players, we want the fans to respect each other too.”

United act to defuse big game tensions
The Independent Online, 21 October 2006

Hopefully, a good game tomorrow evening. I’m looking forward to it.

P.S. Thanks for the lovely card! I have no idea what this was doing at the Australian War Memorial either.

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