Mourinho: Ref bound to struggle
favour United as he lives in Altrincham, five miles from Old Trafford.
Taylor, 37, has been put in charge of United’s powder-keg game at Liverpool by Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL).
Mourinho privately believes the decision could work against his side, with the intense scrutiny impacting on Taylor.
The United boss said: “I have my view but I understood and I learned a lesson by being punished so many times for some of my words.
“I think Mr Taylor is a very good referee but I think somebody with intention is putting such a pressure on him that I feel it will be difficult for him to have a very good performance.”
Ex-referees chief Keith Hackett last night said PGMOL had taken a big risk handing the game to Taylor, even though he has no United ties and supports National League North side Altrincham.
Hackett, former head of the PGMOL, said: “No one is questioning his integrity but what if something goes wrong? It would be intolerable.
“It’s a small slice of what can be expected if things go wrong for Anthony – and his bosses – in the game itself.
“If something happens, it would be those who appointed him who must take the blame for such an avoidable risk.”
Mourinho could now be facing an FA rap after breaking strict rules on managers talking about match referees before games.
The Portuguese would prefer Taylor not to be in charge – but last night PGMOL, who have made Mark Clattenburg the fourth official – gave no indication they are planning to switch.