The Manchester derby is upon us the weekend – and fans will be desperate for a Manchester United win.
It’s Pep Guardiola versus Erik ten Hag again this weekend, as United play host to the Cityzen’s at Old Trafford.
Remarkably, United are seemingly flying if you look at their record at the moment. they’ve won three on the bounce, all somewhat rather unconvincingly.
They’ll be looking to make it four, which is going to be mightily tough. They’ll need to have a lot on their side.
Who is the referee for the Manchester derby?
A huge officiating team is set to take charge at the weekend, which will yield mixed emotions for Manchester United fans and Erik Ten Hag.
- Referee: Paul Tierney
- Assistants: Neil Davies, Scott Ledger.
- Fourth official: Craig Pawson.
- VAR: Michael Oliver.
- Assistant VAR: Stuart Burt.
Sourced from the Premier League.
Manchester United have certainly had some runs in with a few in recent times.
Erik ten Hag has a history with a few of the Manchester derby officials
Paul Tierney: Ten Hag will have happier memories of Paul Tierney.
Back in September 2022, as United beat Arsenal 3-1, he made a very dubious early call, which worked in United’s favour.
Martinelli had put Arsenal 1-0 ahead at Old Trafford in the 12th minute. However, much to the delight of the home fans – Tierney ruled out the goal after judging Odegaard to have fouled Christian Eriksen before Saka took possession.
Craig Pawson: The gaffer has contrasting memories of Craig Pawson.
Erik ten Hag refused to comment on referee Craig Pawson’s performance in their goalless draw with Newcastle back in October 2022.
This was thanks to Pawson turning down what looked like a United penalty and denying the Red Devils a goal when Cristiano Ronaldo intercepted the ball when it was stationary, believing it to be in play.
“I don’t have a comment on the ref’s performance,” the Dutchman fumed (Via MEN).
Michael Oliver: This one will anger Ten Hag the most.
Following United’s 2-0 defeat to Spurs this season, Ten Hag struggled to keep his emotions in check post-match with Oliver.
United were denied a clear penalty with Alejandro Garnacho’s shot blocked by Cristian Romero’s outstretched hand.
Ten Hag was outraged and was subsequently given a yellow after the match – while Oliver rubbed salt into the wound by awarding a penalty for handball against Manchester United last weekend at Sheffield United.
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