Manchester United’s clash against Aston Villa could see up to 11 players miss the Premier League fixture as the match officials for the tie are confirmed.
Manchester United will look to build on their strong away record when they make the trip to Aston Villa on Sunday afternoon, in a match that could have major implications for the Premier League season.
Rúben Amorim’s side have endured a frustrating run at home, regularly throwing away advantages, most recently surrendering the lead three times in a dramatic 4-4 draw with Bournemouth on Monday night. Away from Old Trafford, however, their form has told a far more positive story.
United are unbeaten on the road since late September, claiming impressive victories at Liverpool and Crystal Palace, while also earning draws against Nottingham Forest and Tottenham.
Villa Park now presents their biggest challenge yet. Unai Emery’s team have won nine Premier League matches in a row and sit just three points behind leaders Arsenal, with the hosts likely to see an erratic United side as another opportunity to strengthen their push at the top of the table.
Premier League confirm Villa vs United referee
Michael Oliver (pictured above) will be the referee on Sunday afternoon in Birmingham. Oliver has officiated 13 Premier League fixtures this season and a further seven in the Champions League.
Oliver has officiated United just once this campaign in what was their best result of the season, a 2-1 win over Liverpool at Anfield for the first time in almost a decade.
This season, Oliver has issued 32 yellow cards in the Premier League and 63 across all competitions. He has issued one red cards this season, via two yellow cards. He’s also awarded just one penality, handing Liverpool a 90+7th-minute winning goal against Burnley.
During the game, Stuart Burt and Neil Davies will serve as Oliver’s assistant referees. Michael Salisbury will be the fourth official on Sunday afternoon, separating Amorim and Emery.
Peter Bankes has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Ian Hussin will act as assistant VAR.
Up to 11 absentees for Villa vs United
Up to 11 players could miss the Villa Park clash on Sunday afternoon, with eight of these already confirmed as unavailable to play.
For United, these consist of three Africa Cup of Nations departees and one suspension. Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, and Noussair Mazraoui are all unavailable having flown to compete in AFCON, while Casemiro is suspended after picking up his fifth yellow card of the season earlier this week.
Meanwhile, Amorim admitted on Monday vening that he does not know when either Matthijs de Ligt or Harry Maguire will return, making them further doubts for the tie, although the latter is set to return this month.
For Aston Villa, midfielder Ross Barkley is not expected to return to action until late Feburary, while defenders Pau Torres and Tyrone Mings will return in the new year.
Jadon Sancho is inelegible to play in the tie as he’s as Villa on loan from United, while Emery has sttaed he hopes goalkeeper Emiliano Martinez will return to training this week after missing the club’s last two matches through injury.
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