At the peak of their powers they were feuding foes symbolising the bitter rivalry between Liverpool and Manchester United.

On Friday, Kenny Dalglish and Sir Alex Ferguson will stand side-by-side in tribute to the Kop legend.

Anfield’s Centenary Stand will become the Kenny Dalglish Stand, and ahead of this weekend’s meeting between Liverpool and United Ferguson will accompany Sir Bobby Charlton as a VIP guests at Friday’s renaming ceremony.

Beneath their sporting enmity, Dalglish says there has always been respect between the two Titans of the game.

“His actions speak louder than 1000 words with him and Sir Bobby coming over,” said Dalglish of his former nemesis.

“They did exactly the same after Hillsborough. They were over here early. There is rivalry on and off the pitch but when it comes to something like that there is not even a doubt about it – they will be over here supporting us and hopefully we would do the same for them.