Sir Alex Ferguson has admitted his Manchester United side need a healthy rivalry with Liverpool.

The north-west giants have been at loggerheads since October, when Patrice Evra levelled his racism allegations at Luis Suarez.

"The two clubs, Manchester United and Liverpool, have too much great history and great rivalry. That is what we are going to concentrate on in the future," said Ferguson.

Only grudgingly did Liverpool accept Suarez's eight-match ban, and only after wearing those inflammatory T-shirts at Wigan.

At Old Trafford on Saturday the ill-feeling really spilled over as Suarez refused to shake Evra's hand as promised.

It triggered an angry response from Ferguson, who labelled the Uruguayan "a disgrace" who should be sold.

The following day, Suarez, manager Kenny Dalglish and managing director Ian Ayre all issued public apologies, which were immediately accepted by United.

So, with peace restored, Ferguson feels it is time to move on.

"We are all delighted that we have put the matter to an end," he said. "Both sets of supporters should be pleased and delighted that all we are going to talk about is who is going to win the game.

"Sometimes we will lose to Liverpool, sometimes we will win. But one thing you cannot take away is that both of us need each other."