The build up to this most emotive of fixtures has focused on whether or not Manchester United's away fans will sing inflammatory songs during proceedings. Manchester United fans are a classy bunch by and large and they will recognise the importance of this occasion. The warnings and requests and pleas have been numerous and, one suspects, will be heeded. Showing respect to those who have suffered in the aftermath of Hillsborough is imperative, but there are other things at stake too.

Not that it matters to anybody but me, but my ancestors left Ireland during the potato famine. Our family lived in Liverpool for a generation before ultimately settling in Manchester. My point is that we are cut from the same cloth and, although our lineage is Mancunian, the margins are fine. To show disrespect to those who died at Hillsborough would be appalling. It is not the Manchester United way.

Football has had a tough time of it over the past twelve months in general. For many, the great success of the 2012 Olympics showcased how decadent and uncouth the national game has become. In particular, as the Games came so soon after the monstrosity of John Terry's alleged racism trial. Although Terry was cleared, the game took a beating as the dirty laundry of on-pitch conversations were laundered in public. It was unpleasant viewing.

What's more, this is a week which revealed further the extent of United's financial situation as their quarterly accounts were published. The most decorated club in English history spends most of its earnings lining the pockets of investment bankers and the Glazer family, whose primary interest is American shopping malls. We need a good game of football this weekend.

This fixture has thrown up some stupendous contests over the years. I remember fondly a three all draw during Eric Cantona's time in our shirt. There was another 3-3 at Anfield in the late 1980s with an enormous cameo from Norman Whiteside. That day, Gordon Strachan's ludicrous cigar smoking celebration in front of the Kop was the delight of United fans far and wide as we held on to a proud unbeaten record against the Liverpudlians.

In recent years things have been less entertaining. Many will blame the cynical brand of football our opponents proffered during the Rafael Benitez era, but it could have just as much to do with the number of times United have had a player sent off. Keeping eleven men on the field will be key to United's chances of success this Sunday.

As the players take the field at Anfield we are all hoping for a good game and a fitting tribute. This is a chance to bring back a bit of respect to a sport whose reputation has suffered unduly. I have no doubt that Manchester United will deliver.

Follow Mark on www.twitter.com/markjpayne

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