Ferguson warns fans over Hillsborough chants as United prepare for Anfield cauldron

Sir Alex Ferguson has called on fans to stop their sick chants about Munich and Hillsborough when Liverpool and Manchester United clash at Anfield, claiming the bitter rivals 'need' each other.

The United manager said: 'The history the clubs have should be appreciated by both sets of fans. Sometimes, when I hear silly chants about Munich or Hillsborough, I don't think it is.'

Warning: Sir Alex Ferguson has old United fans to behave at Anfield

Similar chanting was heard when the clubs met in an FA Youth Cup tie on the same ground in March, and there are fears of a repeat this lunchtime in what is traditionally the most volatile fixture in the Barclays Premier League calendar.

Ferguson fears what he considers to be the biggest game in English football will be ruined if away fans are banned in future because rival supporters continue to trade taunts about the tragedies that have affected the clubs.

Respect: 96 Liverpool fans lost their lives in 1989 in Sheffield

Ferguson added: 'I'm telling you, if it came to a stage when fans were banned from each other's ground it wouldn't be the same game. We need each other.

'Although things may change in the next two or three years with Manchester City, I've always considered Manchester United versus Liverpool to be the game of the season in English football, and at the moment it remains that.

'The respect for both clubs' histories should be adhered to.

'Hopefully we'll see that because it's a fantastic occasion for fans to see the intensity and the rivalry of these games.'

Ready for action: Nemanja Vidic came through Serbia's Euro 2012 qualifiers

The United boss refused to comment on Wayne Rooney's international ban that has ruled his striker out of England's first three games at Euro 2012 and could threaten his participation in the tournament altogether.

But he admitted that his biggest dilemma was whether to play Nemanja Vidic alongside Rio Ferdinand in central defence for the first time since his captain suffered a calf injury on the opening day of the season.

No can say: Ferguson refused to be drawn on Wayne Rooney's England woe

Vidic has been out of action for almost two months and there was widespread surprise at United when he made himself available for Serbia's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday.

But it looks almost certain that Jonny Evans will partner Ferdinand at Anfield, with Phil Jones moving into midfield.