Referee for Man Utd vs Fulham named, appointment follows pivotal moment in Erik ten Hag’s career

Add as preferred source on Google

The Premier League have made the refereeing and officiating appointments for the Premier League opener against Fulham.

The first fixture of the 2024/25 season is almost upon us, with Manchester United taking on Fulham at Old Trafford.

A home opener is always welcome, although United have made hard work of them in recent seasons.

A year ago United kicked off with a 1-0 win over Wolves, with Raphael Varane’s winner overshadowed by Andre Onana narrowly escaping giving away a penalty in injury time – causing an almighty furore.

Officials appointed for Man Utd vs Fulham

The Premier League have confirmed the officials for Manchester United’s upcoming game with Fulham.

• Referee: Robert Jones
• Linesmen: Ian Hussin, Simon Bennett
• Fourth official: Anthony Taylor
• VAR: Jared Gillett
• Assistant VAR: Darren Cann

Robert Jones referee record in Man Utd games

Robert Jones has refereed eight Manchester United matches before. Manchester United have won five, lost two, and drawn one – which we went on to win on penalties.

This was the infamous FA Cup semi-final against Coventry City at Wembley, in which United drew 3-3, after giving up a three goal lead.

It was a pivotal moment for Erik ten Hag, who may not have survived the defeat with his job intact. Instead he went on to win the trophy by defeating Manchester City in the final, and earning the right to stay on.

Jones did award a penalty against Manchester United in the game against Coventry. He has never awarded a spot-kick to the Red Devils in the eight matches he has overseen, and has given two to opponents.

He has also never sent off a Manchester United player in the matches he has officiated.

The most recent United game Jones refereed was the 3-2 win over Newcastle, the club’s last game at Old Trafford.

He has also refereed a Manchester United vs Fulham match before, a 2-1 win on the final day of the 2022/23 season, in which Jadon Sancho scored his last goal for the Red Devils.

The defeats he oversaw were the 1-0 loss away at Newcastle last season, and the 3-0 Carabao Cup defeat.

One appointment which could grate on Erik ten Hag is Jarred Gillett being in charge of VAR. He was on duty at The Emirates last season when Alejandro Garnacho’s goal was harshly ruled out.