Manchester United vs Liverpool news: Milorad Mazic set to take charge of Old Trafford clash

Serbian official Milorad Mazic is to take charge of the Europa League second leg clash between Manchester United and Liverpool. The referee was voted the worst official at the 2014 World Cup in a poll conducted by website redcardtheref.com, but has been handed the glamorous tie on Thursday (17 March).

Mazic courted controversy in both Germany's clash with Portugal and Argentina's game with Iran during the World Cup. In the first of those matches, Mazic awarded a hotly debated penalty to the Germans, before sending off Portugal defender Pepe.

The official also attracted the ire of Iran boss Carlos Queiroz, after he failed award a penalty to his team. "How can this guy sleep tonight, or for the rest of his life?" the former United assistant manager said.

"With all respect, I would like to have the opportunity to have a one-on-one conversation with him. Why did he do that to us?" The Iranian Football Federation even filed an official complaint to Fifa over Mazic's refereeing.

Mazic has been criticised since the World Cup, too. Atletico midfielder Mario Suarez launched a scathing attack on the official after last season's Champions League quarter-final between Real Madrid and Atletico Madrid.

"The referee is very bad," he said following the game. "They can't use a Serbian referee for these type of games, with all my respect. I hope that in the return leg they pick a better referee."

The first leg between between Liverpool and United – which saw the Merseysiders record a 2-0 win – was peppered with controversy, with Liverpool being awarded a contentious penalty and the home side also being given the benefit of doubt with an offside call. After the match, United manager Louis van Gaal cited the incidents as being key to the outcome of the game.