The Premier League have confirmed that Anthony Taylor has been chosen for Arsenal's clash with Manchester United at Old Trafford this weekend.

Taylor is deemed to be one of the top referees in the UK and has been a match official for both UEFA and FIFA matches. However, the 46-year-old is often deemed to be a controversial choice when picked to referee Manchester City or United fixtures.

This is because the official was born in Wythenshawe, a suburb of Greater Manchester. Before appointing referees, the PGMOL quizzes officials on their pre-existing allegiances so as to avoid them refereeing the clubs they support.

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Famously, Howard Webb supports Rotherham United while Michael Oliver is thought to be a Newcastle United supporter. Conspiracy theorists have suggested that Taylor either supports United or City with rumours being particularly strong regarding the Reds due to how close Wythenshawe is to Old Trafford.

However, Taylor has always declared his allegiances to be with National League club Altrincham who play just 13 minutes away from the referees birthplace. In an interview with The Athletic, Altrincham president Grahame Rowley confirmed Taylor's support for his club.

"Anthony has always been an Altrincham fan. Even now, he gets a season ticket every year despite the fact he can't go to all the matches," Rowley explained.

"People around here always ask if you're a Red or a Blue. He's actually a great advocate for non-League football and should be praised, not criticised."

It comes after Taylor controversially sent off Anthony Gordon after the Newcastle winger shoved Brighton's Jan Paul van Hecke in the head last weekend. The straight red card call means Gordon is banned for the Carabao Cup final against Liverpool but Newcastle could appeal, with Eddie Howe describing the decision as "harsh".

While it appears Taylor is a neutral, it is clear that Arsenal supporters may feel more comfortable if the referee did not hail from Greater Manchester. The Gunners' chances of winning the Premier League are seen as faint at best as they sit 13 points behind leaders Liverpool.

But, Arsenal could still finish the season with silverware should they win the Champions League. Mikel Arteta's side begin their bid for European glory on Tuesday night when they travel to PSV Eindhoven for the first leg of their round of 16 tie.