Sir Alex Ferguson will get increased security for United’s FA Cup tie at Preston North End tonight.

The Lancashire club are said to have made the decision after reportedly being informed on Friday that the former United manager would be part of the Red contingent.

It will be his first visit to Deepdale since his son, Darren, was sacked as Preston manager in 2010.

The League One club is said to be fearful that some fans may try to confront Ferguson snr, now a director and club ambassador at Old Trafford.

Soon after the sacking, Ferguson snr, the then United manager, angered Preston fans by recalling loan players Ritchie de Laet and Josh King.

He is also said to have stopped a similar loan arrangement with England under-20 midfielder Matty James.

(Image: Alan Walter)

Preston were relegated at the end of that season from the second tier of English football and never returned.

Lancashire Police have rated the game as a ‘class C’ fixture, the highest rating normally reserved for high-profile games.

Preston officials are said to have upped security around the directors’ box.

Also attending tonight’s game will be former Reds boss David Moyes, who was sacked after just 12 months as United manager, succeeding Sir Alex in the hot-seat.

Moyes, who started his career in management at Preston before moving to Everton, will be at the game as a TV pundit.

A spokesman for Lancashire Police said: “We’ve worked closely with both teams when planning the policing operation around tonight’s FA Cup match and there will be a visible presence throughout the evening.

“We hope that all of the supporters enjoy the match safety and responsibly and that it passes off peacefully.”