Sir Alex moves on from Suarez row and admits: Man United and Liverpool need each other

By Sportsmail Reporter Updated: 07:59 EDT, 16 February 2012

Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his Manchester United side need a healthy rivalry with Liverpool.

The north-west giants have been at loggerheads since October, when Patrice Evra levelled his racism allegations at Luis Suarez.

Liverpool's conduct since has not been the best. Only grudgingly did they accept Suarez's eight-match ban, and only after wearing those inflammatory T-shirts at Wigan.

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Relieved: Sir Alex Ferguson is glad to put the Liverpool row in the past

 

At Old Trafford on Saturday the ill-feeling really spilled over as Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand as promised.

It triggered an angry response from Ferguson, who labelled the Uruguayan 'a disgrace' who should be sold.

The day after United's 2-1 win, Suarez, manager Kenny Dalglish and managing director Ian Ayre all issued public apologies, which were immediately accepted by United.

So, with peace restored, Ferguson feels it is time to move on.

'We are all delighted that we have put the matter to an end,' he said. 'The two clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, have too much great history and great rivalry. That is what we are going to concentrate on in the future.

Lighting the fuse: Luis Suarez snubbed Patrice Evra at Old Trafford

'Both sets of supporters should be pleased and delighted that all we are going to talk about is who is going to win the game.

'Sometimes we will lose to Liverpool, sometimes we will win. But one thing you cannot take away is that both of us need each other.'

To some, the matter is not quite over as Dalglish's conduct remains the subject of hot debate.

Too much: Evra was criticised for celebrating in front of Suarez after the game

And even at United, the ramifications are still being felt, specifically in Evra's absence from the Europa League last-32 first-leg encounter with Ajax.

Expected to lead the Red Devils at the Amsterdam ArenA, Evra was not part of the United party that left Manchester.

Instead, Ferguson gave the France full-back time off to recover from what has been a difficult period.

'We have rested Patrice,' said the United boss. 'It has been an emotional week for him and it is the right thing to do.'

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