Trafford Metropolitan Borough Council may shut down parts of the east lower and west upper stands because some supporters refused to sit down during matches.

Ferguson would like to see a return to terracing, but while the Government remains opposed to this move he claims the fans must not stand.

"It would be great to see in the future standing areas and I think I speak for all football fans and all football clubs," he said.

"We as a club would welcome this as would other clubs and other fans.

"But I'm sorry it's unfortunate these laws are in place and you have to change laws before you can do anything. We have to deal with the facts and as the law stands we have to get on with it even if it is very unfortunate.

"We're talking about a loss of seats if this threat is carried out and the fans have to pay heed to this.

"That would affect the team and we want to see Old Trafford full. That's why we have to plead with the fans to obey the laws as they stand at the moment however unsatisfactory they see them."

United hope Ferguson's direct plea will help diffuse the situation before it escalates further.

The club will insert a statement in Tuesday's match programme and there will be an appeal by Ferguson and his players on the PA system as well as a leafleting campaign in the relevant areas, all asking for the fans co-operation.

United claim they will not adopt a heavy-handed approach with anyone who refuses to sit down because they do not want to inflame the situation.

Secretary Ken Merrett said: "It would be self-defeating if you try to take individual actions by removing people.

"It just antagonises people and on this occasion we will just be reminding them of the threat which is hanging over the club and asking them for their co-operation.

"We can't be heavy handed. That would just make it escalate."