Why the FA have scrapped VAR for Manchester United vs Leicester City as referees confirmed

The reasons why the FA have scrapped using VAR for Manchester United vs Leicester City have been explained as the referees for the fixture are confirmed.

Manchester United return to FA Cup action in the fourth round as they welcome Premier League side Leicester City to Old Trafford.

The match sees the return of Ruud van Nistelrooy, who briefly took charge of United for four games following Erik ten Hag’s dismissal before Rúben Amorim took over. After departing Old Trafford, the Dutchman was appointed as Leicester City’s manager.

United’s previous FA Cup outing was a dramatic one, as Amorim’s side faced Arsenal away. The Reds took the lead through Bruno Fernandes, but Diogo Dalot’s red card allowed Arsenal to equalise, forcing the tie into extra time. After a gruelling 120 minutes, United emerged victorious on penalties.

Despite winning five of their seven matches in January, United are looking to bounce back from a disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. The clash with Leicester presents the perfect opportunity to respond.

The match referees have been confirmed below.

Confirmed officials

Michael Salisbury (pictured below) will be the referee on Friday evening in Manchester. Salisbury has officiated seven Premier League matches this season, five in the Championship, and two other domestic ties.

So far this campaign, Salisbury has issued 21 yellow cards in the Premier League and 48 across all competitions. He has issued three red cards and has awarded one penalty this season.

Salisbury is yet to meet United this season, but officiated the side twice last campaign, once in the Premier League during a 4-2 win over Sheffield United, and once in the Carabao Cup as United defeated Crystal Palace 3-0.

 Matthew Wilkes and Steven Meredith will serve as Salisbury’s assistant referees during the game. Thomas Bramall will be the fourth official on Friday evening, separating Amorim and Van Nistelrooy.

Why the FA have scrapped VAR

Despite the fixture being played on a Premier League ground between two Premier League teams, the FA have confirmed that there will be no VAR as they have chosen to only introduce the technology from the fifth round onwards.

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“Video Assistant Referees (VAR) will only be used in the 2024-25 Emirates FA Cup from the Fifth Round onwards,” a statement on the FA’s website read.

“It has been agreed that VAR will be utilised for every match in the Fifth Round of the competition through to the Final at Wembley Stadium, and will not be in operation for the Third and Fourth Rounds.

“VAR has only been used in the Emirates FA Cup previously for matches at Wembley Stadium and at Premier League grounds due to the infrastructure, workforce and costs that are required for its operation. 

“This decision ensures that there is a consistent refereeing approach for all clubs taking part in the same stage of the competition.”

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