Liverpool have had their ticket allocation for the forthcoming trip to Old Trafford to face Manchester United slashed by almost a third.

The match on February 11 is likely to see Luis Suarez, banned for eight matches after being found guilty of racially abusing United defender Patrice Evra, make his first appearance away from Anfield since his suspension.

Liverpool's Uruguay striker is certain to receive a hostile reception but there will be 1,000 fewer Reds fans - only 2,100 - inside Old Trafford to see it.

"The safety of all fans is paramount and a detailed risk assessment of the match carried out by Manchester United and agreed by their Safety Advisory Group which includes Greater Manchester Police and Trafford Council has resulted in Liverpool receiving a reduced allocation for this specific game," said a statement on liverpoolfc.tv.

"This was considered necessary to allow for additional stewarding and segregation plans."

In October United's allocation for the reverse fixture was reduced from 3,015 to 1,965 after safety chiefs, in conjunction with Liverpool City Council, ruled the move necessary after previous problems with visiting fans standing in aisles and gangways.