Manchester United’s fans are livid at the Premier League’s selection of who will officiate their tie against Liverpool this weekend.
With the October 2025 international break now behind them, Manchester United return to Premier League action with a trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.
Rúben Amorim’s side currently sit 10th in the table, having picked up three wins from their opening seven matches. Despite that modest start, there’s a sense of quiet optimism ahead of the clash, fuelled by Liverpool’s recent struggles under Arne Slot.
After beginning the league campaign with five straight victories, Liverpool have since suffered three consecutive defeats across all competitions — against Crystal Palace, Galatasaray, and Chelsea. Both the Palace and Chelsea losses came deep into stoppage time, while the defeat in Turkey ended 1-0.
United, meanwhile, are eager to build momentum after a confident 2-0 win over Sunderland before the break. Amorim will hope a strong display at Anfield can spark a sustained run of positive results.
Premier League confirm Liverpool vs United referee
Michael Oliver (pictured above) will be the referee on Sunday afternoon in Liverpool. Oliver has officiated six Premier League fixtures so far this season, as well as four UEFA matches, all in the Champions League.
Oliver officiated United only once last season: a 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield, just like the forthcoming fixture. Goals from Lisandro Martínez and Amad earned Amorim a draw that day.
This season, Oliver issued 14 yellow cards in the Premier League and 33 across all competitions. He has issued one red card in the form of two yellows, which came in the league. He also awarded one penalty, which again came in the domestic league.
During the game, Stuart Burt and Tim Wood will serve as Oliver’s assistant referees. Craig Pawson will be the fourth official on Sunday afternoon, separating Amorim and Slot.
Darren England has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. James Bell will act as assistant VAR.
Dalot hoping for fairer judgement
As mentioned above, Oliver’s only fixture involving United last season where he was on the field, was a dramatic 2-2 draw against Liverpool at Anfield.
United took the lead through Martínez in the second half before the home side hit back with two goals, but Amad latched on to the end of an Alejandro Garnacho cross to spoil the party.
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However, the most signifiacnt moment in that tie came when Oliver sent Diogo Dalot off for two yellow cards in quick succession: one for shouting at the referee and another for dissent. It was quickly branded one of the “worst decisions” United’s fans have ever seen.
This time around, the heat Oliver caught for his decision, which came in the dying moments of the tie, will no doubt be on his mind, and Diogo Dalot may be hoping for a fairer trial this time around.
The Portuguese internationals could well start at left wing-back due to his long-throw abilities, which Slot has already noted this season has caused his team’s problems against other opposition.
The tie on Sunday afternoon is an interesting one, with the home side on an unprecedentedly poor run of form, while United continue to be unpredictable in the worst way they can. It’s anyone’s game, and Oliver’s influence could play a big part in the final scoreline.
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