Man Utd fans won't be happy with referee decision for Aston Villa game after Liverpool and West Ham incidentsplaceholder image
Man Utd fans won't be happy with referee decision for Aston Villa game after Liverpool and West Ham incidents | Liverpool FC via Getty Images
The Premier League have selected the referee for Manchester United’s game with Aston Villa on Sunday
The Red Devils drew 4-4 with Bournemouth in their last outing as they led three times in the game before eventually having to settle for a draw at Old Trafford.
A win at Villa Park would be a statement of intent in United’s bid for a top-four spot, with many tipping Emery’s side to become title contenders after they beat Arsenal recently and are only three points behind the league leaders ahead of the weekend’s action.
Ruben Amorim’s side have struggled for consistent form in recent weeks with two wins from their last five games, along with two draws and one defeat. After Villa, they face Newcastle United, Wolves, Leeds United and Burnley.
Referee named for Aston Villa v Man Utd
Michael Oliver has been appointed to take charge of the game at Villa Park with Stuart Burt and Neil Davies as his assistants. Michael Salisbury is the fourth official with Peter Bankes as VAR and Ian Hussin as assistant VAR.
Oliver has taken charge of just one United game this season, which was the 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield in mid-October. He has been involved in some controversy with the Red Devils in the past, with his appointment potentially sparking some anger amongst the United fanbase.
Back in in the 2023-24 season, Diogo Dalot was sent off by Oliver in a 0-0 draw at Anfield. The United defender was shown two yellow cards in stoppage time, one after the other and both for dissent. United supporters were annoyed by the lack of consistency on show as earlier in the same game, Darwin Nunez sarcastically clapped Oliver while on a booking but avoided a second yellow.
In November 2024, Oliver was on VAR duty when he recommended a late penalty check for West Ham United. The spot-kick was awarded and scored, which proved to be Erik ten Hag’s final game in charge as the Red Devils lost the game 2-1.
Referees' chief Howard Webb said it was wrong for Oliver to get involved. He said: "I thought it was a misread by the VAR.
“A VAR that's normally really talented and reliable, but gets uber-focused in this situation on De Ligt's leg. His leg coming through on to Danny Ings, not making any contact with the ball. The ball's already past De Ligt as he makes contact with Danny Ings.
"And the VAR sees that as a clear foul. I think he was too focused on that aspect. I don't think he should have got involved. I think this is a situation where we'd leave the on-field decision as it is, probably whichever way it's called. On balance, I don't think it's a penalty kick."
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