Manchester United are gearing up to face Everton at Old Trafford this weekend, eager to bounce back from consecutive Premier League defeats.
Despite a recent FA Cup victory over Nottingham Forest, Manchester United’s league struggles have left them trailing by 11 points behind fourth-placed Aston Villa.
Manager Erik ten Hag is expected to provide updates on team news ahead of the clash during his press conference on Friday afternoon. Notably, the Premier League has announced the officials for the match.
Referee Simon Hooper, alongside assistants Adrian Holmes and Simon Long, will oversee the game, with Gavin Ward serving as the fourth official and David Coote on VAR duty.
Hooper’s appointment raises eyebrows due to his involvement in a controversial incident during Manchester United’s season opener against Wolves earlier this season. The decision not to award Wolves a penalty after Andre Onana’s challenge on Sasa Kalajdzic sparked widespread debate and led to Hooper and his crew being sidelined for the following weekend’s fixtures.
While Hooper has since officiated a Manchester United game without incident, the spotlight will be on him as he returns to Old Trafford, with hopes that past controversies do not overshadow the upcoming match.
