Premier League confirm Manchester United vs Fulham match referee as familiar face returns

The Premier League have confirmed the match referees who will officiate Manchester United’s fixture against Fulham at Old Trafford on Friday evening.

After a penalty shootout defeat to Manchester City in the 2024 Community Shield, Manchester United are turning their attention to the opening match of the 2024/25 season.

Following an eighth-place finish in the Premier League last year, Erik ten Hag is focused on pushing his team towards a top-four finish and a return to Champions League football.

Read More: Manchester United starlet ‘hands in transfer request’ after being told there’s an ‘exit door’

United will start their campaign on Friday, facing Fulham at Old Trafford. Three of Ten Hag’s new signings are ready to make their debuts in this season opener, with Joshua Zirkzee, Matthijs de Ligt, and Noussair Mazraoui set for their first experience of Premier League football.

United’s tie against Fulham is the first fixture of the 2024/25 season across the weekend’s games, and they will be looking for a strong start ahead of Ten Hag’s third campaign at the helm of the club.

The officials for the tie have been confirmed below.

Confirmed officials

Robert Jones (pictured below) will referee on Friday at Old Trafford. Jones officiated five Manchester United fixtures last season, including all three against Newcastle United—the 3-0 loss in the Carabao Cup, the 3-2 Premier League win at Old Trafford, and a 1-0 loss at St. James’ Park.

Jones was also the officiant for the club’s penalty shootout win over Coventry City in the FA Cup semi-final, where the Championship side had a 120th-minute winner ruled out for a tight offside. He also oversaw the club’s 2-1 win against Aston Villa away from home in February.

Ian Hussin and Simon Bennett will be on the sidelines, acting as Jones’ assistant referees during the game. Anthony Taylor has been handed the fourth official job, separating Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola on Saturday afternoon.

Jarred Gillett, the referee from United’s Community Shield loss, has been appointed the role of video assistant referee. Darren Cann will act as assistant VAR.