Howard Webb will referee this weekend's potential Premier League title decider at Old Trafford between Manchester United and Chelsea.

Webb was at the centre of controversy in January after Ryan Babel posted a mocked-up picture of the official wearing a Manchester United shirt on Twitter in the aftermath of United's FA Cup win over Liverpool. The referee had awarded a first-minute penalty to the home side – a decision described by the Liverpool manager, Kenny Dalglish, as "a joke" – and dismissed Steven Gerrard in the 32nd minute for a two-footed tackle on Michael Carrick.

Webb also caused a furore after awarding United a controversial penalty against Tottenham at Old Trafford in April 2009 that sparked United's comeback from 2-0 down to win 5-2. He later described it as "not the greatest decision of my career" and was dropped to the Championship the following weekend.

Since then Webb has struggled to avoid controversy – with his refereeing of the World Cup final last year coming under particular scrutiny – although he took charge for Arsenal's visit to Old Trafford in December with little drama.