The Premier League has confirmed who will officiate Manchester United’s fixture against Burnley at Old Trafford.
Manchester United are returning to Premier League action as Rúben Amorim hosts Scott Parker’s Burnley at Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
So far this season, United have been far off the boil, sitting 16th in the Premier League table with just one point after two games, having lost to Arsenal and drawn with Fulham.
The club’s most recent tie was the worst of the lot. United travelled to face Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup, and despite fighting back after going down 2-0 in the first half, which was shocking in itself, United then lost 12-11 on penalties.
However, with the Burnley tie one back on their home ground, Amorim will be hoping his side can finally serve up their first win of the season.
Premier League confirm United vs Burnley referee
Sam Barrott (pictured above) will be the referee on Saturday afternoon in London. Barrott officiated 23 Premier League fixtures last season, three international matches, and four across other domestic competitions.
Barrott officiated United once last season, a 2-1 win over Brentford at Old Trafford, courtesy of goals from Ramsus Højlund and Alejandro Garnacho.
Last season, Barrott issued 107 yellow cards in the Premier League and 144 across all competitions. He issued one red card last season, via two yellow cards. He has awarded nine penalties, six of which came in the Premier League.
During the game, Tim Wood and Ian Hussin will serve as Barrott’s assistant referees. David Webb will be the fourth official on Saturday afternoon, separating Amorim and Parker.
Stuart Attwell has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Con Hatzidakis will act as assistant VAR.
Amorim will have mixed feeling on VAR return
Against Grimsby, the absence of VAR was clear to see, with several questionable decisions from the officials shaping the game.
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In the first half, while André Onana’s mistake for Grimsby’s second goal was glaring, it likely would have been ruled out for a handball in the build-up had VAR been available. On the other hand, Grimsby were denied a legitimate third goal after an incorrect offside call.
Rúben Amorim may have been frustrated by the circumstances of the second goal, but he will also recognise that his side benefited from the disallowed third, leaving him with mixed feelings about the return of VAR.
Ultimately, though, Amorim will be hoping his team can produce a performance that removes any need for officiating debates. With his position already under scrutiny, another slip-up—whether a loss or a draw—could have severe consequences for his future at the club.
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