Football

Manchester United Fans Rage As Michael Oliver Is Appointed To Referee Sunday’s Showdown Against Liverpool

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The Liverpool vs Manchester United referee has been announced as Michael Oliver ahead of this weekend’s Super Sunday showdown at Anfield.

A section of Red Devils ers have been left raging with the Premier League‘s decision to appoint Oliver for such a crucial game.

Many posted their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) expressing their concerns. It’s apparent that United fans are still upset about Oliver’s decision to award Diogo Dalot a red card in the corresponding fixture last season.

The Portuguese full-back was booked twice in the space of a minute for dissent. His 94th minute dismissal had no bearing on the outcome of the 0-0 draw.

Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped ers from showcasing their displeasure at giving Oliver the game again. A total of eight players were carded on Merseyside in 2023/24.

Furthermore, Oliver was the VAR when United played West Ham in October. The 39-year-old forced the on-field referee (David Coote) to reverse a penalty decision.

Matthijs de Ligt’s injury-time challenge on Danny Ings on the box was deemed fair until Oliver intervened. Coote then awarded the spot kick which Jarrod Bowen scored. The very next day, Erik ten Hag was sacked.

Sunday’s titanic clash will see Stuart Burt and Lee Betts employed as Oliver’s assistants. Craig Pawson will act as fourth official with VAR duties falling to Chris Kavanagh and Dan Robathan.

Liverpool Vs Manchester United Referee And Premier League Match Officials (Sunday January 5)

  • Referee: Michael Oliver
  • Assistants: Stuart Burt and Lee Betts
  • Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
  • VAR Officials: Chris Kavanagh and Dan Robathan (assist)

Liverpool Vs Manchester United Referee Announced As Michael Oliver

The appointment of Michael Oliver as the Liverpool vs Manchester United referee has certainly ruffled the feathers of Red Devils fans.

Especially with Ruben Amorim’s side in diabolical form at present. On December 30, Amorim tasted his fourth defeat in a row across all competitions when Newcastle won 2-0 at Old Trafford.

More worryingly, United have gone three consecutive games without scoring and are now just seven points above the relegation zone.

In contrast, Arne Slot’s Reds are very much on course to win their second Premier League title. The Merseysiders hammered West Ham 5-0 last time out and are six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.

Slot has filled the void left by legendary boss Jurgen Klopp with considerable ease. That alone has left Red Devils ers concerned about playing their bitter rivals. Let alone without having Oliver in the middle.

Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites in the UK make Liverpool the 2/7 match favourites. Manchester United can be backed at 10/1 with the draw available at 11/2.

Furthermore, you can also check out the key match stats here. As Slot aims to become the first Reds boss since 1937 to complete a league double over United at the very first attempt.

Michael Oliver’s Premier League Stats For Liverpool And Manchester United

In the 55 Premier League games that Michael Oliver has overseen involving Liverpool, the Reds have won on 26 occasions. Oliver has officiated just one game this season, the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.

A total of 81 players have been booked in top-flight games involving the Reds with just one player being sent off for the league leaders. Fabio Borini against Arsenal in 2014/15. 16 penalties have been awarded across the 55 games.

Meanwhile, Oliver has refereed 41 matches involving Manchester United. The Red Devils have won 16 of those games. Oliver is yet to officiate a United game in 2024/25.

In of cards, 80 yellows have been awarded which included Diogo Dalot’s double booking at Anfield last season. The Portuguese defender is the only Red Devil to be dismissed by Oliver.

Manchester United Fans Reactions On X

Since the Liverpool vs Manchester United referee was announced as Michael Oliver on New Year’s Day, Red Devils fans were quick to post on X (formerly Twitter) about the decision.

Additionally, the vast majority of posts referenced the Diogo Dalot double booking from the Anfield fixture last season. Furthermore, many were quick to blast Oliver’s VAR intervention from the West Ham game in October.

Scroll down for a look at some of the fiercest reactions.

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Ben Horlock
Sports Editor

Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.

Get to know Ben Horlock better
Author photo
Ben Horlock Sports Editor

Ben Horlock is a sports news and features writer who holds a degree in sports journalism (BA Hons) from Southampton Solent University. Ben has been published across a wide variety of news outlets and websites including HITC, 90min, GiveMeSport, Betfair and Zoo Magazine. As well, Ben has worked in social media for four years in the sports gambling industry. For his sins, Ben is a QPR fan and is a keen follower of all the major European football leagues.

All posts by Ben Horlock