Manchester United boss Erik ten Hag wants their fans to quit singing about the tragedies suffered by rivals Liverpool when the two giants collide at Old Trafford this weekend.
Erik ten Hag has pleaded with Manchester United fans not to ruin Sunday’s clash against Liverpool with vile chanting.
United host their bitter rivals in a crunch Premier League showdown at Old Trafford. The fixture comes just three weeks after United beat Jurgen Klopp’s men 4-3 in extra time in one of the greatest FA Cup ties of all time.
Ten Hag is aware of the explosive nature of the rivalry between both sets of supporters. And he is desperate to avoid hearing United fans spoil the occasion with tragedy chanting about Hillsborough and Heysel – like what has happened in the past.
Ten Hag said: “The atmosphere our fans generated was incredible that afternoon (in the FA Cup victory).
“And if we can produce the same noise levels around Old Trafford, then we have already seen what a positive force it can be and the impact that it has on the players.
“As such, it is part of my duty to remind every supporter fortunate enough to be at the game that it must be enjoyed in the proper way.
“And not used as an excuse for abusing rival fans about Hillsborough, Heysel or any other historic tragedies. This is one of the truly great rivalries in world sport, for so many of the right reasons, and it is our responsibility to keep it that way.
“Whether the clubs meet at Old Trafford or Anfield, all supporters must focus entirely on backing their team – and both Jurgen and I trust that we can count on that happening.”
United will be looking to bounce back from their gut-wrenching 4-3 defeat to Chelsea on Thursday evening, while also potentially denting their arch enemies’ title hopes.
