Phelan expects fans to behave

MANCHESTER United assistant boss Mike Phelan is confident the usual animosity between rival fans at tomorrow’s FA Cup fourth–round tie with Liverpool at Anfield will not spill over into something more sinister.

It will be the first meeting between the two clubs since Patrice Evra made the racism allegations against Luis Suarez which ended with the Reds forward receiving an eight–match ban.

Liverpool’s conduct around the dispute was called into question, although more recently they have made strenuous efforts to confirm racist incidents will not be tolerated.

Police and security will be out in force though and Phelan believes the encounter will pass off peacefully.

“We don’t need to build this game up,” he said. “It speaks for itself. I am sure supporters will take care of their responsibilities.”

Apart from the sideshow of supporter antipathy, the two clubs have taken part in some fierce FA Cup battles down the years. United have come out on top in nine of the 16 encounters, including the 1977 and 1996 finals.

United Manager Sir Alex Ferguson has doubts over Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand, Michael Carrick, Wayne Rooney and Nani. The Portugal winger is thought to be the greatest worry, with fears he suffered extensive damage to his foot during last Sunday’s win at Arsenal that could rule him out for at least two months.