Manchester United face major red card concern as match referee vs Porto confirmed

UEFA has confirmed the match referees who will officiate Manchester United’s Europa League match against Porto on Thursday evening.

Manchester United are turning their attention to the Europa League after a tough stretch in the Premier League.

Currently 13th in the table, United are just six points above the relegation zone and eight off the top. Losses to Tottenham Hotspur, Liverpool, and Brighton have further highlighted the club’s struggles.

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The recent defeat to Tottenham has increased the pressure on Erik ten Hag, and the upcoming away games against FC Porto and Aston Villa are now pivotal in shaping his future at the club.

After a draw against FC Twente in the Europa League last week, United are in desperate need of a win in Portugal to keep their European hopes alive.

Last week, United saw Bruno Fernandes receive their first red card of the season, and if the squad are not careful, another could be handed to a squad member on Thursday.

Match officials

German official Tobias Stieler (pictured below) will referee on Saturday at Old Trafford. Stieler has never officiated United but has a long career as a referee, starting in 1995 and being a FIFA-accredited official since 2015.

United will have to be careful with Stieler. In the seven fixtures he has taken control of this season, he has handed 37 yellow cards, one red card due to two yellows, two straight red cards, and two penalties across all competitions.

Christian Gittelmann and Mark Borsch will be on the sidelines, acting as Stieler’s assistant referees during the game. Matthias Jöllenbeck has been handed the fourth official job, separating Erik ten Hag and Vítor Bruno on Thursday evening.

Bastian Dankert has been appointed as the video assistant referee. Fedayi San will act as assistant VAR.

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