Liverpool v Man Utd referee choice questioned by former official Keith Hackett

Anthony Taylor will take charge of the fiercely-contested rivalry on Monday evening despite hailing from Wythenshawe and living just six miles away from Old Trafford

The decision to put Greater Manchester-based Anthony Taylor in charge of Manchester United’s upcoming trip to Liverpool has been slammed by former referees’ chief Keith Hackett.

Taylor will take charge of the fiercely-contested rivalry on Monday evening despite hailing from Wythenshawe and living just six miles away from Old Trafford.

And although Taylor reportedly supports non-league club Altrincham, Hackett believes it’s a mistake putting him in charge of this particular fixture.

“No-one is questioning Anthony’s integrity or his ability to handle this game,” Hackett said in the Daily Telegraph.

“You could argue it’s testimony to his unflappable character and capacity to focus that he’s been appointed to it.

“Taylor is also in form and establishing himself firmly as one of the select group’s best operators. But what if something goes wrong for him on the day — as it can for even the finest referees?

“That’s when the focus on him would be intolerable, especially if a controversial incident has gone in favour of Liverpool and it influences the result.

Last season, Kevin Friend was removed from Tottenham’s meeting with Stoke due to his perceived support of the north London club’s title rivals Leicester City.