Photo by Marc Atkins/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Photo by Marc Atkins/Aston Villa FC via Getty Images
Manchester United fans will have a break from VAR for the Carabao Cup fixture with Brighton – at the absolute perfect time.
After the Manchester Derby was ruined by an incorrect VAR call, there will be a very welcome development in the Carabao Cup this week.
There will be no VAR in operation at Old Trafford for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup fourth round clash.
This is consistent with the rest of the Carabao Cup fourth round ties. VAR was also not in operation for the previous rounds.
Last season VAR was only implemented at the semi-final stage of the Carabao Cup, the same situation for 2026/27.
United are in action at home to Brighton in an all-Premier League clash. It is the Red Devils’ first game in the competition this season, having bypassed round three due to Champions League involvement.
For supporters, this is a welcome chance to experience a game without the confusion and delays caused by VAR – which still produces incorrect calls.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League 2026/27
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Chelsea FC v Hull City - Premier League 2026/27
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Referee, linesman and fourth official for Man Utd vs Brighton
While there is no VAR, the officials have been confirmed for Manchester United’s Carabao Cup clash with Brighton. They find themselves under increased scrutiny after the events of the weekend.
Referee: Farai Hallam
Assistants: Craig Taylor and Conor Brown
Fourth Official: Lewis Smith
Farai Hallam has refereed two Premier League games in 2026/27, including Chelsea vs Hull at the weekend, and three matches in the Championship.
Hallam has officiated seven Premier League matches in total – relevant to this game as it is an all-Premier League clash.
He has never refereed a match at Old Trafford or any Manchester United game. This is the biggest refereeing appointment of his career.
With the current standard of officiating largely poor, it might be good to have a new face. We could certainly do with more good referees.
We just hope Hallam steps up to the occasion and does not try to make a name for himself.