“Liverpool penalties incoming” – Manchester United fans react to selection

Manchester United fans are in a panic ahead of their Premier League clash with Liverpool after the news that Michael Oliver has been named the referee.

The Premier League have announced that Michael Oliver will be the referee for Sunday’s clash between Liverpool and Manchester United at Old Trafford. The news has been met with derision from those at the other end of the M62.

While Liverpool fans are hardly in ecstatic about the news, the Man Utd fanbase seem to be conceding a victory for Jurgen Klopp’s men. At least they think the Reds will pick up a penalty or two:

Do the Mancs have cause for their pessimism? Oliver has taken the reigns for four Liverpool games this season and all have been victories for the Reds: 2-0 away win at Crystal Palace; 2-1 victory at Wembley against Spurs; 1-0 win at Huddersfield; 5-1 thrashing of Arsenal at Anfield.

By contrast Man Ut have only had Oliver twice this year; their 5-1 win over Cardiff and the 3-1 loss to West Ham when Jose Mourinho was still patrolling the Old Trafford sideline.

In his career Oliver has presided over 35 Liverpool games, including the League Cup final in 2016. Over that time he has only dealt out one red card to the Reds; sending off Fabio Borini for two yellows against Arsenal in 2014.

He has overseen 29 Manchester United matches at given out four red cards in that time. The most recent being to send off Ander Herrera for two yellows after only 35 minutes against Chelsea in 2017.

The Premier League showdown on Sunday is crucial to the title race with Liverpool able to go back to the top of the table as this is their game in hand over Man City who play in the league cup final. United have been unbeaten under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer but Klopp will be hoping to snap that streak.