Guardiola warned over derby comments

The decision to appoint Taylor as the referee for the game came in for criticism from some City fans, with the whistler having grown up just six miles from Old Trafford in Wyhtenshawe.

The appointment was then touched upon by Guardiola in his pre-match press conference, with the Spaniard saying: "No problem. He is going to try to do the best job like we try to as managers and football players.

"Even with VAR there will be mistakes but it'll reduce that issue. Taylor is going to try to make a good time.

"The important thing is focusing on our game and knowing which opponent we are going to face and that's all.

"Hopefully they can make good decisions for both sides and [it will] be a good game, like all of England and parts of Europe are going to watch us and that is an important pleasure.

"The referee doesn't want to make a mistake but knows that everybody around the world is going to watch him and he doesn't want to make mistakes. That is pretty sure.

"But if after he's a fan of United or City, everybody can be a fan wherever he wants, so no problem."

However, as a fan of National Legaue North side Altrincham, there was deemed to be no conflict of interest and Taylor was allowed to referee the game, which finished 3-1 in City's favour.

FA policy is that officials should not be discussed in the run-up to games, with Guardiola subsequently being asked to explain his comments.

It appears that his explanations were sufficient, with no charge being brough against the City boss, though he has been warned about his future conduct.