Manchester City will host Manchester United at Etihad on March 6 in the Premier League and Michael Oliver has been appointed as the centre referee.

There were mixed reactions among Man United fans upon hearing Oliver will officiate the game, with one claiming he would award Manchester United a penalty.

United have endured some poor decisions made by the VAR and on-pitch referees in recent games, which have also played a role in thwarting United’s chances of winning games they should have easily won.

However, several Manchester United fans are expecting Michael Oliver to make a notable difference this weekend at Etihad, though some believe Oliver could end up fouling United’s chances of getting something off Pep Guardiola’s men.

“The guy [Michael Oliver] who gave 3 pens and 2 red cards in 2 games against United is City games. Great,” said a user.

He’s gonna give us penalty I can already see it

— Boyce 🅿️ (@Lethal_Boyce6) February 28, 2022

Archie tweeted: “The only half decent one which is a shame because we’re probably gonna need some dodgey decisions.”

At least its not Anthony Taylor or Martin Atkinson

— Shiv (@Shiv82178096) February 28, 2022

Fardachev tweeted: “Ref are the least of our problems when we can’t even put the ball in the net.”

Manchester United lost the reverse fixture 2-0 at Old Trafford last year under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

United need all three points off City in order to maintain their top-four push while Man City fancy the win to remain at the top of the Premier League.

According to Premier League, below are appointed match officials for the Manchester derby.

Referee: Michael Oliver (pictured).
Assistants: Simon Bennett, Scott Ledger
Fourth official: Andy Madley.

VAR: Stuart Attwell.
Assistant VAR: Darren Cann.

Just a reminder; Stuart Attwell was in charge of VAR for Manchester United’s games against Middlesbrough and Burnley.