Mark Clattenburg has been appointed as the referee for this weekend's Manchester derby at Old Trafford.
The 40-year-old is seen as the Premier League's senior official following the retirement of Howard Webb and also has Champions League and international experience.
His only two Premier League red cards this season have been issued to Manchester United players - Tyler Blackett in their 5-3 defeat to Leicester City and Luke Shaw in the 1-1 draw with West Ham United.
Clattenburg also sent off Manchester City captain Vincent Kompany during Belgium's 1-0 win over Israel in Euro 2016 qualifying last week.
Both clubs have won one, drawn one and lost one of their three fixtures that Clattenburg has officiated this season.
The clash between the local rivals has taken on extra significance now that champions City have slipped behind United in the table, with both sides now likely battling to finish behind Chelsea in second.
Joe Fish
