Premier League confirm match officials for Manchester United vs Manchester City

The Premier League have confirmed the match officials for the upcoming clash between Manchester United and Manchester City at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon.

Erik ten Hag’s men face their toughest challenge of a difficult season thus far. Although, with three wins on the trot, United will be heading into the game as confident as they have been in recent months.

They will need a lot more than confidence, however, with victories against Brentford, Sheffield United and Copenhagen not coming with star-studded performances from Ten Hag’s side.

The last time the two sides faced up against each other at Old Trafford, the home side won the game 2-1 following a controversial offside decision going United’s way after Bruno Fernandes hit home following a Marcus Rashford run that was deemed to not interfere with the play.

On that day, it was Michael Oliver manning VAR duties – which is essentially as important as the on-field referee now – and the decision caused a breakdown on social media platforms.

This season, United have not often been getting the rub of the green with decisions involving VAR and inconsistencies are a frustration amongst the fanbase.

So, of course, the confirmed match officials for the Manchester derby could end up having an impact on the result and how the game plays out.

Match Referee

The man with the whistle on the pitch will be Paul Tierney, who will be officiating his sixth Premier League fixture of the season.

Last weekend in the league, the referee brandished eight yellow cards during Wolves’ 2-1 win over Bournemouth. He averages 4.8 yellows per game this season.

It will be the first time he takes charge of a United game this season.

Assistant Referees

Flanking the referee will be the pairing of Neil Davies and Scott Ledger, who have assisted 413 Premier League games between them.

Video Assistant Referees

As mentioned, those in the VAR room could prove just as important as the man in the middle of the pitch. the VAR in this big game will be Michael Oliver and his assistant will be Stuart Burt.

It was only earlier this month when Oliver, as the match referee, made several massive blunders during Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester City. He failed to send off City midfielder Mateo Kovacic for a clear second yellow card offence.

He was also, of course, the man in the VAR room when that controversial decision in the Manchester derby at Old Trafford benefited United last term.

Fourth Official

The man standing between Erik ten Hag and Pep Guardiola in the technical areas will be Craig Pawson.