Sir Alex Ferguson hoping for quiet afternoon when Manchester United face Liverpool

Sir Alex Ferguson hopes Manchester United's home date with Liverpool on Sunday will make headlines for all the right reasons.

The last time the two old adversaries met at Old Trafford in the Premier League, the game was overshadowed by Luis Suarez's refusal to shake hands with Patrice Evra.
Those differences were put aside during a meeting at Anfield in September, and it is hoped the issue can now be laid to rest.

Ferguson is looking for that to be the case, with the United boss eager for focus to be returned to footballing matters ahead of an eagerly-anticipated north west derby.

"There will always be a certain build-up to a Manchester United-Liverpool game, simply because of the history between the two clubs, the two most successful in the country," Ferguson told Inside United.

Meanwhile, Ferguson has also been looking ahead to United's forthcoming UEFA Champions League clash with Real Madrid - which will see the Red Devils line up against a familiar face.

Cristiano Ronaldo built his reputation at Old Trafford, but has gone on to scale even greater heights since leaving for Spain in 2009 - according to Ferguson.

"Maturity brings many things," said the Scot.

"When I went to see them play against (Manchester) City, some of his decision making in terms of passing was brilliant. One-touch passing, good crosses.