Clattenberg verdict to determine Rooney ban

Referee Mark Clattenburg’s explanation of why he awarded Wigan a free-kick following Wayne Rooney’s clash with James McCarthy yesterday will determine whether the Manchester United striker ends up facing a three-match ban.

Latics boss Roberto Martinez was incensed by the sight of Rooney smacking his elbow into the back of McCarthy’s head and sought out Clattenburg for an explanation at half-time.