Webb's the right ref for Saturday

Howard Webb's appointment as referee for United's crunch match at Arsenal has come under fire from a former top official.

Recently retired referee Graham Poll is concerned that Webb will be taking charge of his second Arsenal game in a row, following the Gunners' 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

"Never before have you seen a referee in the Premier League get appointed to the same team in consecutive weeks," said Poll.

"It doesn't happen. There are all sorts of connotations with it. Is Howard Webb going to have to prove his impartiality and will that mean he is going to favour Manchester United?

"It's unfair pressure on a very good referee."

The Premier League has defended Webb's appointment, insisting his recent performances in matches like Arsenal's trip to Liverpool and Germany's Euro 2008 qualifier against Czech Republic make him the best man for Saturday's job at the Emirates.

A spokesman for the Premier League said: "Howard Webb is the best performing referee at the moment and it's only right he takes charge of the highest-profile games."

South Yorkshire-based Webb has refereed one United match so far this season, the 1-0 home win over Tottenham in August. His appointments last season included the Reds' 1-1 draw with Chelsea at Old Trafford and the FA Cup semi-final against Watford.