Rúben Amorim must heed a double suspension warning as UEFA confirm the referee who will preside over Manchester United’s Europa League clash against Lyon.
After a humbling 4-1 defeat to Newcastle United on Sunday, Rúben Amorim is turning his attention back to European matters as Manchester United prepare for a crucial Europa League clash.
United will welcome Olympique Lyonnais to Old Trafford on Thursday night for the second leg of their quarter-final tie, with everything still to play for following a 2-2 draw in the first leg.
In France, Leny Yoro and Joshua Zirkzee were on target for United, but goals from Thiago Almada and a last-gasp equaliser by Rayan Cherki ensured the tie remains finely balanced heading into the return leg.
With the backing of the Old Trafford crowd, Amorim will be hoping his side can rise to the occasion and book a place in the semi-finals, where they’ll face either Athletic Bilbao or Rangers.
That tie remains deadlocked after a cagey 0-0 draw in Glasgow, a result made all the more impressive by Rangers’ resilience after Dutch centre-back Robin Pröpper was sent off just 13 minutes into the match.
Confirmed officials
Sandro Schärer (pictured below) will be the referee on Thursday evening in Manchester. Schärer has officiated ten Swiss Super League fixtures this season, six in the Champions League, six in other UEFA competitions, and four others.
Schärer has met United once this season. He officiated the club’s 1-1 draw and eventual penalty loss against Manchester City in the Community Shield back in August.
The Swiss referee has met United twice in his career to date, both of which came in 4-0 Europa League wins for the Reds. One was a 2019 victory against Dutch side AZ Alkmaar, thanks to goals from Juan Mata, Ashley Young, and a brace from Mason Greenwood.
The other was a thumping win over Real Sociedad with goals from Dan James, Marcus Rashford, and two from Bruno Fernandes.
So far this season, Schärer has issued 94 yellow cards across 25 fixtures. With both Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte each one booking away from suspension, Amorim must make sure he stays wary of this.
Schärer has issued two straight red cards and one through two yellow cards, as well as awarding seven penalties this season, two coming in the Champions League.
During the game, Stéphane De Almeida and Jonas Erni will serve as Schärer’s assistant referees. Lionel Tschudi will be the fourth official on Sunday afternoon, separating Amorim and Paulo Fonseca.
Fedayi San has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Christian Dingert will act as assistant VAR.
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