Football News
Referee appointed for Man United vs Tottenham is responsible for this season’s most controversial moment
Manchester United resume their Premier League campaign on Sunday afternoon when they host Tottenham Hotspur.
The Red Devils will target a return to winning ways in the Premier League after a frustrating 0-0 draw with Crystal Palace last time out.
It has been a mixed start to the season for Manchester United. Erik ten Hag‘s side sit 11th in the Premier League table but results have not reflected the promising signs of progress.
United sit just under Tottenham in the standings. Ange Postecoglou’s side have endured a similar start to the season having dominated games without picking up results.
With both clubs targeting a top-four finish this season, Sunday’s meeting could prove to be pivotal.
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Chris Kavanagh appointed referee for Man United vs Spurs
The Premier League announced the referee appointments for matchweek six on Tuesday and Chris Kavanagh is the man chosen to take control at Old Trafford.
Paul Tierney has been appointed as the video assistant referee.
Kavanagh is yet to take charge of Manchester United this season. His last game as referee for United was in last season’s 1-0 win over Nottingham Forest in the FA Cup.
Before that, Kavanagh awarded United a controversial penalty in the 2-1 win over Chelsea in the league last season.
United’s record under Kavanagh makes for great reading – the Red Devils have only lost once in the last 13 games with Kavanagh as referee.
The only blip in that 13-game stretch is the 1-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Old Trafford last season.
Chris Kavanagh’s controversial moment this season
Kavanagh has made plenty of headlines this season already after taking charge of Arsenal’s Premier League clash against Brighton last month.
The Gunners dropped points for the first time in 2024/25 after Declan Rice was controversially sent off for kicking the ball away from Joel Veltman as he went to take a free-kick.
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Rice was already on a booking and, despite the minor contact, Kavanagh brandished a second yellow card and sent the England international off.
United legend Gary Neville described the decision as “soft” and Kavanagh faced plenty of criticism over the decision.
In what is bound to be a fiery game on Sunday against Spurs, hopefully United are not on the wrong end of any dodgy decisions.
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