Despite the emergence of Manchester City, Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson insists Liverpool remain their biggest rivals for now.

The Red Devils travel to Anfield on Saturday for an FA Cup fourth round encounter that will showcase a match-up between two of English football's traditional rivals.

However, many have suggested that United are now more concerned with neighbours City, who have emerged as a force to be reckoned with, while Liverpool have struggled to challenge for silverware.

Nonetheless, Ferguson insists, for the time being at least, that the Reds remain United's biggest rivals.

"You have to recognise that [the rivalry with] Manchester City has become more than it ever was in terms of the intensity of the games," Ferguson told The Guardian.

"There may come a time when we won't be able to separate the two. But, at the moment, Liverpool is still the one.

"Even the neutral would look upon this as the biggest so far. Just look at the interest. It's quite unparallelled.

"The atmosphere at Anfield is terrific. You can work all your life to a point where you are challenged.

"Our results at Liverpool in the last two or three years have not been great but both clubs will always have their moments but it is such a great rivalry."

Saturday's tie will be all the more interesting due to events that happened during the last time both sides met in the Barclays Premier League, when United defender Patrice Evra accused Reds striker Luis Suarez of racist abuse, which led to the Uruguayan being hit by an eight-match ban.

Although Liverpool's immediate reactions in the wake of the guilty verdict that led to Suarez being banned for eight matches left United distinctly unimpressed, the Merseyside giants have now switched their stance completely and warned supporters any racist abuse will not be tolerated.

Ferguson has followed that up by pleading with supporters and players to ensure the occasion is remembered only for the quality of the football.

However, the United boss accepts the prospect of an Old Trafford replay, which would take place just days before the two sides are due to meet in the Premier League, and for which Suarez would be available, is probably not too appealing for the game's authorities.

"It could be a replay," he said.

"That would get the FA going."

The long history of animosity between the supporters even extended to an FA Youth Cup tie at Anfield last season and with over 5,000 fans in attendance, it is not beyond the realms of possibility that a section of United's travelling contingent will look to inflame the situation.

Ferguson has stayed clear of the entire row since his initial confirmation that United would back Evra in whatever action he chose to take.

However, the Scot feels now is the time to try and ensure all the talk is about the game, rather than the obvious issues surrounding it.

"It is a massive game for both clubs," he said.

"There is a tremendous profile on it and there will be interest throughout the country.

"As Steven Gerrard said yesterday [Thursday], there is a responsibility on the players to behave properly. That is what I expect my players to do.

"Both sets of fans have got to make sure we are talking about the game and nothing else."

Getting them to respond may not be easy after some of the distasteful chants of recent years, when the victims of both the Munich and Hillsborough tragedies have been mocked.

Much of that resentment stems from the traditional status of United and Liverpool as the top two teams in the country, with Ferguson claiming it remains his side's biggest game of the season, even though Manchester City are catching up fast.

Ferguson flatly refused to speak directly about Evra, or whether he would play.

And if there was an attempt at mind games, it came through his refusal to offer any injury updates, meaning Kenny Dalglish cannot know for certain whether Wayne Rooney, Phil Jones, Rio Ferdinand and Nani, whom it has been suggested could be out for a couple of months with the foot injury he picked up at Arsenal, will be involved or not.

The Scot was impressed by Liverpool's midweek performance against Manchester City, believing they will get a lift from booking their place in the Carling Cup final.

The last time United went to Anfield in the FA Cup, they were beaten by a solitary Peter Crouch goal and Alan Smith ended up in hospital with an horrific leg injury.

Ferguson would prefer to remember Eric Cantona's winner in the 1996 final at Wembley and also the fourth round encounter at Old Trafford encounter in 1999, when his side trailed for 86 minutes, only to eventually emerge victorious thanks to late goals from Dwight Yorke and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

It is because of the potential for producing such thrilling encounters, which makes Ferguson confident his hopes for a peaceful afternoon will be fulfilled.

"I am confident enough," he said.

"We want to be talking about a game of football. It is a big FA Cup tie. In my time there have not been many FA Cup ties between the clubs.

"It is something you want to look forward to. That is what I intend to do and the players should follow that."