Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson has written to fans ahead of their FA Cup tie at Liverpool.

The Daily Mail says Ferguson has written to Manchester United fans appealing for calm and co-operation during Saturday's highly-charged FA Cup tie against bitter rivals Liverpool at Anfield.

But the Old Trafford boss will be under scrutiny after it was confirmed Martin Atkinson is to referee his first United match since Ferguson was banned for five games for questioning the West Yorkshire official's integrity 11 months ago.

The prospect of Patrice Evra's return to the scene of his clash with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez will only increase the tension around the fixture.