Liverpool v Manchester United: Alex Ferguson believes top four finish is beyond Brendan Rodgers' reach Ahead of Sunday's encounter with Liverpool - who are still searching for their first league win - the Manchester United manager said he expected the four clubs currently in the Champions League places to remain there for the rest of the campaign. The top four - before Saturday's matches - were Chelsea, United, Arsenal and Manchester City and Ferguson said: "The only place you can be now is that top four and this season you do expect Chelsea to be better than last year, Arsenal are better than last year, there's no doubt about that and they've started the season very well and we are where we were last year with City. So I think those four will be the top four. Everton, of course, could do it - and they want to do it. Tottenham could - and they want to do it. But it's hard. Liverpool - it's a new regime and it might take time. Ferguson confirmed that he expected to include Patrice Evra for today's match - with all eyes on whether Liverpool striker Luis Suárez shakes the defender's hand prior to kick-off. Suárez received an eight-match ban for racially abusing Evra last season, and refused to shake hands with the defender when the sides met at Old Trafford in February, but Ferguson said he saw no reason to leave out the left back. United are also expected to continue the rotation of their goalkeepers which could see Anders Lindegaard returning for David De Gea who played in the Champions League against Galatasaray in midweek. "In the long-term it will be very good for us, in terms of giving them both experience," Ferguson said. After four matches Liverpool have just two points and Ferguson said he had sympathy with the rebuilding job that Brendan Rodgers - still just 39 and with just one season's experience in the Premier League with Swansea City - has to do. "I don't know how they do it over there but it's very hard at any club," Ferguson said. You have to have your own philosophy, your own beliefs. To go to a big club at a young age is difficult, it's a hard job. Ferguson, who has written a personal letter to all United supporters who will attend Sunday's game, urging them to be on their best behaviour, dismissed suggestions that there might be any personal animosity between him and the Liverpool supporters because of United's success over the past two decades - even if it's now four years since they won at Anfield. Indeed he suggested that he always received a good reception. "I think it's just down to the fact that we've been very successful, I don't think it's to do with me," he said of the intense rivalry which, at times, has spilt over and with everyone hoping that Sunday's game will pass without any incitement from supporters, especially with the recent publication of the Hillsborough report. When I've been to Liverpool over the past few years to watch games they've been brilliant to me, the fans. They are joking and that kind of thing. I don't get a bit of abuse. Different from when I go to Leeds!