The Premier League has confirmed who will officiate Michael Carrick’s first game back in charge of Manchester United this weekend.
Manchester United are still searching for their first win of 2026 as they welcome local rivals Manchester City to Old Trafford on Saturday afternoon.
So far this year, United have fallen to a 1-1 draw against 16th-placed Leeds United, a 2-2 draw against 19th-placed Burnley, and been knocked out of the FA Cup by Brighton on their own turf, all while their former Head Coach, Rúben Amorim, was sacked in the middle of this.
Ahead of the Manchester derby tie, United have appointed Michael Carrick as their head coach until the end of the campaign, with the fixture against City his first game in charge.
Carrick previously took temporary charge of United in November 2021, securing wins against Arsenal and Villarreal, as well as a 1-1 draw with then-table toppers Chelsea.
Premier League confirm United vs City referee
Anthony Taylor (pictured above) will be the referee on Saturday afternoon in Manchester. Taylor has officiated 17 Premier League fixtures this season, as well as six in UEFA competitions.
Taylor has officiated United three times this campaign; the reverse Manchester Derby, as well as United’s 4-2 win over Brighton and 1-0 victory over Newcastle late last year. He also officiated Carrick’s 1-1 draw with Chelsea in 2021, suggesting a run of good luck with Taylor’s officiating could be in store for United.
This season, Taylor has issued 66 yellow cards in the Premier League and 88 across all competitions. He has issued two red cards this season, one coming through two yellows. He’s also awarded seven penalties, four of which have come in the Premier League.
During the game, Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn will serve as Taylor’s assistant referees. Sam Barrott will be the fourth official on Satruday afternoon, separating Carrick and Pep Guardiola.
Craig Pawson has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Adrian Holmes will act as assistant VAR.
Carrick is not afraid of the Derby
Carrick having the Manchester Derby, then a trip away against top of the table Arsenal, are about as hard a two fixtures as you could possibly get for your opening games in charge of the side.
However, the 44-year-old is not a man shying away from the challenge. Having lifted five Premier League titles and a Champions League himself, he stated during his first interview back at the club that these are the types of games he lives for in a strong warning to Guardiola’s side.
“The big games, the important games are what we all live for,” he told the Inside Carrington podcast earlier this week. “Some games are more challenging than others. But it’s why we are here. We’ll go for it head-on.”
With United yet to register a win in 2026, the games against City and Arsenal are somewhat of a free hit for Carrick. But, if he is able to get some early points on the board and really lift the mood at Old Trafford, fans could be in for a fantastic few months.
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