Mark Clattenburg gives verdict on Michael Oliver referee appointment for Liverpool vs Man Utd

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One of the Premier League’s most high-profile referees has been appointed for Manchester United’s trip to Anfield.

Manchester United’s first match back after the international break is the normally dreaded visit to Anfield.

The Premier League have announced the officials for the fixture, with Michael Oliver appointed as referee.

Michael Oliver has vast experience, with more than 400 Premier League games refereed during his career as an official.

One of these games has come sharply back into focus after his latest appointment – Oliver refereed Manchester United’s visit to Liverpool in December 2023.

The game finished in a 0-0 draw – with one very notable incident that annoyed United fans, Diogo Dalot was sent off after two yellow cards in quick succession, including one for dissent.

Mark Clattenburg backs Michael Oliver appointment

Former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg has offered his opinion on Michael Oliver being appointed for the upcoming fixture.

Speaking exclusively to United In Focus, Clattenburg spoke from his own experience of refereeing English football’s biggest club game.

He said: “Michael Oliver has been tasked with the toughest task of the weekend in being appointed to referee the Liverpool vs Manchester United match. I know first hand, how difficult this fixture is to referee considering the history of both clubs.

“This for me was the biggest game in the Premier League for any match official and I believe the best referee is refereeing the match.”

Oliver has refereed 47 Manchester United games during his career. These have involved 18 United wins, 13 draws, and 16 defeats.

Clattenburg on Dalot red card

Clattenburg told United In Focus that he understood the frustrations of Manchester United supporters over Diogo Dalot’s quickfire red card in 2023.

But he is also confident that Michael Oliver will not be impacted by any backlash to his appointment.

Clattenburg said: “Yes some sections of the Manchester United fans are upset with the appointment after two years ago when Oliver sent off Dalot for two yellow cards.

“It was technically correct and was supported within PGMOL, but I am sure he would have reflected after and think of a different approach.

“Oliver will not be fazed by the criticism as he has refereed both clubs since and let’s hope this weekend’s match will be about the match and not the referee or VAR.”

This is actually the second time since then that Michael Oliver has refereed Liverpool vs Manchester United at Anfield. He was in charge in January 2025, with the game finishing 2-2.

He has not refereed a Manchester United fixture since. He refereed a Liverpool game earlier this season, awarding them an injury-time penalty for their 1-0 away victory at Burnley, penalising a Hannibal handball.