The Premier League have confirmed who will officiate Manchester United’s home tie against Crystal Palace as Michael Carrick looks to continue their good form.
After grinding out a deserved 1-0 win at Everton on Monday night, Manchester United return to Old Trafford this weekend to face Crystal Palace in the Premier League.
United have been in outstanding form since Michael Carrick assumed control of the first team, collecting 16 points from the last 18 available. That run has lifted them to fourth in the table, three points clear of Chelsea in fifth, with Liverpool also three points further back in sixth.
Palace’s season has unfolded very differently. Following their FA Cup triumph last year, Oliver Glasner has seen several influential figures depart, and the Eagles now sit 13th in the standings.
They managed just their second victory in 16 outings in their most recent match, as loanee Evann Guessand struck in the 90th minute to seal a late win over Wolves. Despite that boost, belief remains shaky as attention shifts towards their Europa Conference League campaign.
Premier League confirm United vs Palace referee
Chris Kavanagh (pictured above) will be the referee on Sunday afternoon in Manchester. Kavanagh has officiated 19 Premier League fixtures this season, as well as eight UEFA ties and five in other domestic competitions.
Kavanagh has officiated United just once this campaign, in the 1-1 draw away at Fulham when Rúben Amorim was still in charge. However, he was withdrawn from officiating in the league last weekend after a series of horror decisions in Newcastle’s 3-1 FA Cup win over Aston Villa earlier this month.
This season, Kavanagh has issued 73 yellow cards in the Premier League and 124 across all competitions. He has issued three red cards this season, two straight reds, and has awarded eight penalties, five in the Premier League.
During the game, Dan Cook and Ian Hussin will serve as Kavanagh’s assistant referees. Sam Barrott will be the fourth official on Monday evening, separating Carrick and Glasner.
Tony Harrington has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Neil Davies will act as assistant VAR.
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Carrick hoping for double return vs Palace
While United have not had significant fitness problems since Carrick took charge, they were missing four players during their 1-0 win over Everton on Monday evening.
While Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and Matthijs de Ligt remain unavailable for the tie, there is hope that Mason Mount will return to boost the club’s attacking options after he missed the club’s last four games.
At the same time, reports earlier this week emerged stating Lisandro Martínez is expected to be available despite missing the Everton game due to a calf problem, although the United boss will issue an official update on Friday afternoon.
As for Palace, defender Maxence Lacroix has returned to training ahead of their Europa League tie against HSK Zrinjski Mostar. However, midfielders Jefferson Lerma and Cheick Doucoure, as well as forwards Jean-Philippe Mateta and Eddie Nketiah, are all expected to miss the tie.
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