The Liverpool vs Manchester United referee has been announced as Michael Oliver ahead of this weekend’s Super Sunday showdown at Anfield.
A section of Red Devils supporters have been left raging with the Premier League‘s decision to appoint Oliver for such a crucial game.
Many posted their thoughts on X (formerly Twitter) expressing their concerns. It’s apparent that United fans are still upset about Oliver’s decision to award Diogo Dalot a red card in the corresponding fixture last season.
The Portuguese full-back was booked twice in the space of a minute for dissent. His 94th minute dismissal had no bearing on the outcome of the 0-0 draw.
Nonetheless, that hasn’t stopped supporters from showcasing their displeasure at giving Oliver the game again. A total of eight players were carded on Merseyside in 2023/24.
Furthermore, Oliver was the VAR when United played West Ham in October. The 39-year-old forced the on-field referee (David Coote) to reverse a penalty decision.
Matthijs de Ligt’s injury-time challenge on Danny Ings on the box was deemed fair until Oliver intervened. Coote then awarded the spot kick which Jarrod Bowen scored. The very next day, Erik ten Hag was sacked.
Sunday’s titanic clash will see Stuart Burt and Lee Betts employed as Oliver’s assistants. Craig Pawson will act as fourth official with VAR duties falling to Chris Kavanagh and Dan Robathan.
Liverpool Vs Manchester United Referee And Premier League Match Officials (Sunday January 5)
- Referee: Michael Oliver
- Assistants: Stuart Burt and Lee Betts
- Fourth Official: Craig Pawson
- VAR Officials: Chris Kavanagh and Dan Robathan (assist)
Liverpool Vs Manchester United Referee Announced As Michael Oliver
The appointment of Michael Oliver as the Liverpool vs Manchester United referee has certainly ruffled the feathers of Red Devils fans.
Especially with Ruben Amorim’s side in diabolical form at present. On December 30, Amorim tasted his fourth defeat in a row across all competitions when Newcastle won 2-0 at Old Trafford.
More worryingly, United have gone three consecutive games without scoring and are now just seven points above the relegation zone.
In contrast, Arne Slot’s Reds are very much on course to win their second Premier League title. The Merseysiders hammered West Ham 5-0 last time out and are six points clear at the top of the table with a game in hand.
Slot has filled the void left by legendary boss Jurgen Klopp with considerable ease. That alone has left Red Devils supporters concerned about playing their bitter rivals. Let alone without having Oliver in the middle.
Ahead of the game, the best football betting sites in the UK make Liverpool the 2/7 match favourites. Manchester United can be backed at 10/1 with the draw available at 11/2.
Furthermore, you can also check out the key match stats here. As Slot aims to become the first Reds boss since 1937 to complete a league double over United at the very first attempt.
The referee should be moot this weekend but beggars belief PGMOL have chosen Michael Oliver to officiate Liverpool vs #mufc. Oliver was on a power trip with Dalot’s red card at Anfield last season and responsible for one of the worst ever VAR interventions for West Ham’s penalty…
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) January 1, 2025
Michael Oliver’s Premier League Stats For Liverpool And Manchester United
In the 55 Premier League games that Michael Oliver has overseen involving Liverpool, the Reds have won on 26 occasions. Oliver has officiated just one game this season, the 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest.
A total of 81 players have been booked in top-flight games involving the Reds with just one player being sent off for the league leaders. Fabio Borini against Arsenal in 2014/15. 16 penalties have been awarded across the 55 games.
Meanwhile, Oliver has refereed 41 matches involving Manchester United. The Red Devils have won 16 of those games. Oliver is yet to officiate a United game in 2024/25.
In terms of cards, 80 yellows have been awarded which included Diogo Dalot’s double booking at Anfield last season. The Portuguese defender is the only Red Devil to be dismissed by Oliver.
Manchester United Fans Reactions On X
Since the Liverpool vs Manchester United referee was announced as Michael Oliver on New Year’s Day, Red Devils fans were quick to post on X (formerly Twitter) about the decision.
Additionally, the vast majority of posts referenced the Diogo Dalot double booking from the Anfield fixture last season. Furthermore, many were quick to blast Oliver’s VAR intervention from the West Ham game in October.
Scroll down for a look at some of the fiercest reactions.
The fact they’ve given Michael Oliver this game again shows they don’t give a fuck about how shit he is as a referee as long as he’s shit against United. pic.twitter.com/M8ixivmpfA
— Jay Motty (@JayMotty) January 1, 2025
That Michael Oliver's still allowed to be chosen for the biggest games in the Premier League is a disgrace, from Diogo Dalot's red card to his VAR intervention for the Matthijs de Ligt penalty vs West Ham. One of the most power hungry referees we've seen. pic.twitter.com/3KyiR9zfY9 https://t.co/BJYDpfucGH
— Adam (@AdamJoseph____) January 1, 2025
Michael Oliver 🤡 will be the 12th man for Liverpool on Sunday.pic.twitter.com/EyCfhSQLXP
— Ryan, Amorim MUFC 🇾🇪 (@RubenWay_) January 1, 2025
So Liverpool are playing really well and are top of the league
We are relegation candidates and playing some of the worst utter dirge I have ever seen from a UTD side
Just to wipe out any suggestion of an upset they put the most corrupt official in charge.
Michael f**king Oliver— Jonathan 🇾🇪🏴 (@jonmikesav8) January 2, 2025
Michael Oliver as referee then.
I wonder what incident he’s going to needlessly involve himself in to make the game all about him.
Shows the level of officiating in this country when he’s considered the best we have to offer.
— Callum (@_callumstone) January 1, 2025
As if Liverpool need any more help on Sunday, but the @premierleague assign Michael Oliver. Scandalous given his performance in that game last season and his ridiculous decisions against Utd over the years including this season
— Phil Leckey (@phil_leckey) January 1, 2025
Michael Oliver the ref for Sunday. As if things couldn’t get worse pic.twitter.com/OMmehX68wx
— Marcus Bailey (@marcusbailey007) January 1, 2025
How is Michael Oliver allowed to be anywhere near a Man Utd game after that VAR pen decision against West Ham 🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬🤬
— Donna Matthews (@donna81sa) January 1, 2025
