Manchester United have accepted the apologies of Liverpool striker Luis Suarez and manager Kenny Dalglish over their actions at Saturday's Premier League game at Old Trafford.

United manager Sir Alex Ferguson branded Suarez "a disgrace" and said he should never play for Liverpool again after he refused to shake hands with United defender Patrice Evra prior to the match, having racially abused the Frenchman at Anfield in October.

The Uruguayan apologised for his actions, as did Dalglish who batted away questions about Suarez's conduct during a post-match interview with Sky Sports. Dalglish and Reds managing director Ian Ayre both said they had been misled by Suarez, who had indicated to them he would shake Evra's hand.

United issued a statement on Sunday under the heading "Reds accept rivals' apology" which read: "Manchester United thanks Liverpool for the apologies issued following Saturday's game.

"Everyone at Old Trafford wants to move on from this. The history of our two great clubs is one of success and rivalry unparalleled in British football.

"That should be the focus in the future of all those who love the clubs."

Suarez said in a statement issued by Liverpool: "I have spoken with the manager since the game at Old Trafford and I realise I got things wrong.

"I've not only let him down, but also the club and what it stands for and I'm sorry. I made a mistake and I regret what happened. 

"I should have shaken Patrice Evra's hand before the game and I want to apologise for my actions. I would like to put this whole issue behind me and concentrate on playing football." 

In another statement issued on Sunday, Dalglish said: "It is right that Luis Suarez has now apologised for what happened at Old Trafford. 

"To be honest, I was shocked to hear that the player had not shaken hands having been told earlier in the week that he would do.  

"When I went on TV after yesterday's game I hadn't seen what had happened, but I did not conduct myself in a way befitting of a Liverpool manager during that interview and I'd like to apologise for that." 

As the club tried to limit the damage after a raft of criticism from players, fans and the media, Liverpool managing director Ian Ayre said in a third statement that Suarez had been wrong.  

"We are extremely disappointed Luis Suarez did not shake hands with Patrice Evra before yesterday's game. The player had told us beforehand that he would, but then chose not to do so," said Ayre. 

"He was wrong to mislead us and wrong not to offer his hand to Patrice Evra. He has not only let himself down, but also Kenny Dalglish, his team mates and the Club. It has been made absolutely clear to Luis Suarez that his behaviour was not acceptable. 

"All of us have a duty to behave in a responsible manner and we hope that he now understands what is expected of anyone representing Liverpool Football Club."  

The match itself, between two of England's great rivals, was a tense affair and scuffles took place in the tunnel at halftime and fulltime.