Ferguson told Pearce how much he had enjoyed the atmosphere that night and reflected how good it would be if all away teams were able to bring a similar support.

Instead, City will be restricted to their annual 3,000 allocation, even though the ground capacity at Old Trafford has now increased to over 76,000.

“I am sure Sir Alex will remember that night and offer us another 15,000 because I have got a feeling we would fill our allocation,” Pearce told the Manchester Evening News.

“He did make that statement, I heard him, and it would be nice for him to throw the gates open for the derby because a lot of our fans would like to see the game.”

Pearce will be hoping to maintain an unbeaten record in his managerial head to head with Ferguson, having picked up a win and a draw during his first full season in charge at City.

However, the Blues have not recorded a victory at Old Trafford since Denis Law’s famous backheel in 1974 and Pearce is aware how hard his side will have to work if they are to topple the Premiership leaders.

“We will have to match United physically and get in their faces as best we can,” he said.

“It is a fantastic place to play your football but you have to be prepared to roll up your sleeves.”