Fergie not worried about Suarez-Evra handshake before Liverpool clash

Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson has played down concerns over the first meeting between Patrice Evra and Liverpool striker Luis Suarez since the Uruguayan'sRead more: http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/football/article-2099240/Luis-Suarez-handshake-problem-Alex-Ferguson.html#ixzz1lysyjuic

racism ban.

Liverpool travel to Old Trafford on Saturday with Suarez expected to feature after completing the eight-match penalty he incurred after he was found to have racially abused Evra.

The Anfield side, with manager Kenny Dalglish in the vanguard, have persistently defended Suarez's actions but Ferguson shrugged off concerns over lingering bad feeling.

Asked about the usual pre-match handshake between players, he said: 'I have not even thought about that.

'It has never been an issue. We are concentrating on the game.'

Although Dalglish has had no hesitation in speaking out in defence of Suarez, insisting after his side had dropped points in a 0-0 draw at home to Tottenham on Monday that the Uruguayan should not have been punished, Ferguson declined to comment on Suarez's behaviour.

He added: 'We have kept our counsel, which was the right thing to do.

'We will keep it that way.'

Ferguson's opposite number, Kenny Dalglish was also keen to deflect attention away from Suarez.

The Uruguayan is certain to get a hostile welcome but Dalglish moved to play down the clash by saying it is time to draw a line under the matter and Suarez will shake hands with Evra.

The Reds boss refused to speak about what treatment the striker can expect at Old Trafford.

'We will comment on football,' said Dalglish.

'We enjoy going there to play football and that is all we are going to concentrate on, we've covered every other aspect of what has to be covered.

'In the build-up to the FA Cup tie here (which Liverpool won 2-1) everyone played their part: both clubs, both sets of fans and the referee (Mark Halsey) was magnificent in the way he handled the game.

'If it is the same again then everyone will be happy.'



The Reds boss refused to speak about what treatment the striker can expect at Old Trafford.

'We will comment on football,' said Dalglish.

'We enjoy going there to play football and that is all we are going to concentrate on, we've covered every other aspect of what has to be covered.

'In the build-up to the FA Cup tie here (which Liverpool won 2-1) everyone played their part: both clubs, both sets of fans and the referee (Mark Halsey) was magnificent in the way he handled the game.

'If it is the same again then everyone will be happy.'