Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson has offered support for underfire Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson ahead of their FA Cup clash on Saturday. Hodgson is reportedly on the brink of being sacked after a poor start to the season, leaving the Reds just four points above the relegation zone.

Although United and Liverpool have come to be fierce rivals in years gone by, Ferguson insists that Hodgson deserves better than how he is being treated. “Roy Hodgson doesn’t need to justify his record as a manager,” said Ferguson, according to the Mirror football. "His experience and performance level everywhere he’s been have been terrific, so I’m not going to get into that.

United will be determined not to crash out of the FA Cup like they did last season at the hands of then League One side Leeds United, losing their first game of the competition 1-0.

“The FA Cup is a tournament you can’t take for granted,” added Ferguson. "We did that last year and we got a reminder, losing at home to Leeds in the third round. “It was the first time I’d lost a third round tie since I’ve been at the club and it didn’t sit well with me.

“I was sick for a few days, I didn’t enjoy it, so hopefully I’ll enjoy this one better. “The big difference on Sunday will be that Liverpool will have 9,000 fans at Old Trafford. “They’re only allowed 3,000 fans in a normal Premier League game, whereas in the FA Cup the percentage goes up and they’re given the whole end.

“It definitely generates a fantastic atmosphere. “We’ve experienced that over the years, even last year when Leeds brought 9,000 fans. “They made themselves heard and it was a fantastic atmosphere.”