Fear not Foy, Moyes isn't as fearsome as former United boss Fergie.

Sir Alex Ferguson's influence no longer affects referees when officiating Manchester United but it used to and one can’t help but wondering if that has played a small part in the champions' start to the season.
I clearly remember visiting Old Trafford for the first time and was well aware that my life would be made a misery by the home manager if things didn't go well for his team.
Whenever the result was not as Ferguson expected you would be made aware – in no uncertain times.

Hot seat: Foy is the official in charge of Manchester United's clash with Sunderland this weekend

Whether it was not awarding United a penalty, failing to send off an opponent or not allowing enough added time you would get a blast of that infamous 'hairdryer' – and yes he really did come into my dressing room and bemoan the lack of added time after a draw with Everton.

That never made me deliberately favour United but sub-consciously who knows what affect those tirades took..
David Moyes does not strike that same 'fear' into officials and nor do any other current PL managers – so if United did gain an advantage, however unintentionally from the referees’, it’s a level playing field now.

Hairdryer: Former United boss Sir Alex Ferguson gives Foy the full treatment after an FA Cup clash last year.

Newly promoted Cardiff are the cleanest team in the Premier League having only conceded 50 free kicks in their six top flight games this season.
That averages out at only just over eight per game and less than one every ten minutes. Playing fair has not cost them as they sit comfortably in mid-table having enjoyed wins against Manchester City and Fulham.
Their record of only six yellow cards is only bettered by Southampton. Friend should have a quiet afternoon.

Easy ride? Cardiff give away the fewest free-kicks... but Friend awarded a contentious penalty to Hull

Moss returns to top flight action after a couple of weeks out following his handling of the Manchester United versus Crystal Palace match when he awarded United a penalty for a foul which looked to be outside the penalty area.
He is back in Manchester though and for perhaps the highest profile game of the weekend as unbeaten Everton look to continue their great start against inconsistent Manchester City.
Moss has only refereed City twice and they have enjoyed 2-0 and 5-0 wins whilst the only time he refereed Everton away they drew at Loftus Road and he dismissed Steven Pienaar.

Sunderland v Manchester United - Referee: Chris Foy M2, YC5, RC0, PK1
Will it be cocoa that is served as the post match drink as the old stagers appear together for the late Saturday kick-off?
Referee, Foy will be 51 next month whilst his fourth official, Phil Dowd only has to wait until January for his 51st birthday. Completing the 'Dad's Army' team is assistant referee Andy Garratt who is approaching his half century. I’ll bet junior assistant Stuart Burt will be busy fetching and carrying if it’s a quick game.

Bouncing back? Manchester United lost list time out - at home to West Bromwich

Sunday 6th October 2013         

Southampton v Swansea City - Referee: Mike Dean M4, YC20, RC1, PK0

The team with the least cautions, Southampton have 5; play the team with the most, Swansea 15.
It is interesting that Southampton has actually given away more free kicks than any other team so must show respect towards referees to escape cautions for persistent fouling.
As referee Dean has issued the most yellow cards this season, 20 in 4 games, the away team could well be in for a tough time. Dean is usually the referee who awards most penalty kicks each season but has yet to point at the spot this term.

Red alert: Dean sent Fernando Torres off in the match between Tottenham and Chelsea