Liverpool vs Manchester United referee appointment confirmed by Premier League as Martin Atkinson

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Martin Atkinson will take charge of Liverpool's Premier League meeting with Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime at Anfield.

Atkinson last officiated a meeting between two historic rivals in March 2015, when a Juan Mata brace gave Louis van Gaal’s United a 2-1 victory on Merseyside.

The West Yorkshire-based official sent off Steven Gerrard that day for a stamp on Ander Herrera, just 38 seconds after the Liverpool captain had been introduced as half-time substitute.

Atkinson also took charge of United’s 3-0 win over Liverpool at Old Trafford earlier that season and a 1-0 win for Sir Alex Ferguson’s United at Anfield in March 2007, which came courtesy of a stoppage-time John O’Shea goal.

The appointment of Atkinson for Saturday’s lunchtime kick-off was confirmed by the Premier League on Monday.

For last season’s corresponding fixture, the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), the organisation responsible for refereeing appointments, came in for criticism after selecting Greater Manchester-based official Anthony Taylor to take charge.

Jose Mourinho, the United manager, was fined £50,000 for bringing the game into disrepute after suggesting it would be difficult for Taylor to have “a very good performance” before the 0-0 draw at Anfield.