Michael Oliver appointed referee for Man United vs Chelsea fixture | OneFootball

Manchester United’s hopes of qualifying for next season’s Champions League took a major hit on Monday night, as Daniel Farke’s Leeds United all but secured their place in the division for another year with a shock 2-1 win at Old Trafford.

Michael Carrick now takes his men to Stamford Bridge for what could be a pivotal game in the race to finish in one of the top five spots in the Premier League.

Should United come back from West London with three points, they will surely have enough for a ticket back to the top table of European football, with a ten-game gap to Liam Rosenior’s side and just five games remaining.

Experience referee appointed

However, United travel to the capital with major defensive issues after Lisandro Martinez’s controversial red card against Leeds was compounded by the news that Harry Maguire will also miss the game through suspension. Carrick has seen his side reduced to ten men in their last two outings, and despite the rather harsh nature of both dismissals, any ill-discipline could cost them dearly on Saturday.

As reported by ESPN, Michael Oliver has been appointed as the match referee for the crucial clash and may well have a busy night on his hands. Chelsea, themselves, have had seven red cards dished out to them over the course of the campaign, with their young squad showing a lack of maturity in moments.

Oliver is widely acknowledged as the best referee in the country, and both sides will hope he can live up to that billing in what should be a red-hot atmosphere on the night.

The 41-year-old’s experience in big games means he was the obvious pick for the fixture, with so much riding on it for both sides.

Tony Harrington leads the VAR team in Stockley Park and will also be hoping for a quiet night, given the continued criticism of officials across the league at present.

Must not lose

A win for United would be dream stuff, but a point would certainly be enough to leave Carrick confident of securing a top five place with just a handful of games to go.

Chelsea have been in poor form over recent weeks, but will be ready to jump on any nerves shown by United, particularly at the back with the inexperienced Leny Yoro and Aiden Heaven expected to partner.

Carrick will learn a lot about the young duo on the night, but will be hoping the game passes without controversy with refereeing decisions having too big of an impact in United games lately. but will be hoping the game passes without controversy, as refereeing decisions have had too big an impact on United games lately.

Controlling the early atmosphere will be key for both United and Oliver, and Carrick’s men will be desperate to settle quickly and take advantage of the discontent currently circling around Stamford Bridge.

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