Erik ten Hag warns Man Utd fans to avoid tragedy chanting against Liverpool as he urges supporters to enjoy match in 'proper way'

United's last game with against Jurgen Klopp's side was the incredible 4-3 win in the FA Cup quarter-finals, when Amad Diallo snatched victory in the last minute of extra-time. The game was played amid a scorching atmosphere but it was tarnished by a section of United supporters singing songs that mocked the Hillsborough and Heysel tragedies. One fan was arrested.

"The atmosphere our fans generated was incredible that afternoon, and if we can produce the same noise levels around Old Trafford today then we have already seen what a positive force it can be and the impact that it has on the players," the United manager wrote in his programme notes ahead of the game. "As such, it is part of my duty to remind every supporter fortunate enough to be at today’s 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."

Ten Hag's message was echoed by Liverpool boss Klopp in his pre-match press conference. "It's super-important. There are different aspects. One is that I don't hear it, honestly, when I'm on the sideline," the German said.

"I heard after the game that it happened, and that is obviously not great. In general it's just helpful that we educate our kids in specific things: respect, understanding, all these kind of things. I just see it that way, that two of the biggest football clubs in the world, let's just show a bit of class in these moments. So, don't sing this or sing that, just show class. Have a fight on the pitch, let's play football, if you want be happy if we lose or whatever, these kinds of things, that's all fine. But besides that, just show a bit of class. That would be really my wish for all of us."

The issue has dogged the fixture for decades. Sections of Liverpool fans have mocked the Munich Air Disaster in 1958 in which eight United players were killed. At last year's FA Cup final between United and Manchester City, a fan was arrested for wearing a shirt that mocked the Hillsborough disaster, in which 97 Liverpool supporters died.

Ten Hag and Klopp issued a joint-statement warning against tragedy chanting last year although their words ended up having little effect.

Ten Hag said he and Liverpool boss Klopp hoped the match would pass off without the distasteful chants being heard. "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," the United manager added. "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 today."