Confirmed officials: Manchester United vs Leeds United (Premier League)

The match officials have been confirmed for Manchester United’s first clash of the season against rivals Leeds United.

Although Manchester United fans have had to wait till over the halfway point of the season for this usually fierce match, due to scheduling because of Queen Elizabeth II’s death, this is the first of two meetings in four days as the ‘Roses rivalry’ retakes place in the league this Saturday.

One man who won’t be available for both games is Casemiro, due to a silly red card against Crystal Palace in United’s last fixture.

The Brazilian found himself the unlucky victim of inconsistent officiating by VAR as he was singled out in an array of ‘handbags’ for violent conduct and was the only person dismissed due to the fray, a decision seen by many as harsh.

Let’s hope for better refereeing on Wednesday – here’s who is tasked with that job:

Match referee

Simon Hooper is the man in charge when United plays host to Leeds, the 40-year-old has refereed 16 games in the Premier League this season and one of these was United’s 2-0 victory over Spurs back in October.

Hooper isn’t afraid to brand his cards, especially a yellow, as in the 62 Premier League games he has officiated 176 cards have been awarded. Under his watch, things rarely escalate beyond a yellow card as only two of the cards given in his Premier League career have been red.

Assistant referees

Adrian Holmes and Marc Perry will be tasked with running up and down the side lines for the 90 minutes. The pair have assisted 538 games combined in the Premier League.

The fourth official stationed between Erik ten Hag and Leeds’ caretaking trio of coaches after the sacking of Jesse Marsch is Chris Kavanagh.

Video Assistant Referee (VAR)

The pair at Stockley Park in charge of VAR is John Brooks and his assistant Stuart Burt.