Ref Taylor under the spotlight

though he was born in nearby Wythenshawe. The 40-year-old referee has officially declared himself, to the group responsible for appointing match officials, as a season-ticket holder at National League club Altrincham.

But many City fans have taken to social media to claim that Taylor (below) is a secret United supporter.

Guardiola has also had high-profile problems with Taylor in the past. But he said: “Mr Taylor is from Manchester, but do people know the team he supports? Altrincham? So no problem.

“Mr Taylor is going to try and make a good game.

“All of England and all of Europe is going to watch us. The ref doesn’t want to make a mistake.

“But, if he is a fan of United or a fan of City – everyone can be a fan of whoever he wants. So, no problem.”

Jose Mourinho was fined £50,000 for calling into question Taylor’s suitability to referee United’s visit to Liverpool in October 2016.

Taylor has not officiated at the Etihad since December 2016, when he dismissed Sergio Aguero and Fernandinho in a City defeat by Chelsea.

City have failed to win almost 40 per cent of the 12 league games they have played with Taylor in charge. He has refereed United 20 times, with the Reds racking up a win rate of 70 per cent.