Man Utd 'expressed concerns' about Liverpool referee but reality for Ruben Amorim already clear
Liverpool vs Manchester United is a fixture that doesn't need much hyping, even if there is a 23-point gap between the sides in the Premier League table heading into this weekend's clash.
But the usual chatter about the referee that comes with the big clashes has already begun, with Manchester United fans unhappy at Michael Oliver being named the official in the middle. Oliver has been at the center of some controversial incidents involving the Old Trafford side including the penalty Matthijs de Ligt conceded against West Ham.
"People at United have also expressed concerns about Oliver’s handling of [Bruno] Fernandes," the Manchester Evening News' Samuel Luckhurst posted on social media. "Will be his first game refereeing United since February last year."
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Given Oliver was in charge when Jeremy Doku planted his foot high on Alexis Mac Allister during the game at Anfield last season against Manchester City, though, Liverpool might not be completely happy with Oliver lately either. Chris Cavanagh will be the VAR with Craig Pawson the fourth official.
Liverpool.com says: The idea that a referee hates a certain team is almost never true as much as fans might like to suggest that and David Coote didn't exactly help things when adding to that perception. Oliver has made mistakes — the West Ham penalty that saw Erik ten Hag fired the next day was a bad one and so too was the kick on Mac Allister — but he is among the best referees around.
Given the gulf between Liverpool and Manchester United at the moment, it would be a surprise if the officials have anything to do with the result at Anfield. Arne Slot's men should simply be looking to win against a team that Ruben Amorim admitted recently could not say it was completely clear of relegation just yet.
