The Premier League have confirmed that Andy Madley will referee the game between Manchester City and Manchester United this weekend.
Derbies are always pressure cooker affairs and the only other high-profile game that the 40-year-old has officiated this season was City’s draw against Chelsea earlier this month.
Fans were not impressed by Madley’s display in that match and they have expressed their displeasure at the appointment for the all-Manchester clash on X:
Terrible ref for city
— Tim beck (@Timbeck80220531) February 27, 2024
Him Again?
— Sor Me Hwɛ Government (Trɛblɛ Season) (@PlayfulTipz) February 27, 2024
He was awful against Chelsea
— ian spencer (@ianspen91962916) February 27, 2024
Nothing new, same old trash
— Nick Tamaire ⛵️ (@Gucciano17) February 27, 2024
We are screwed already, may as well get laurel and Hardy to ref
— *antlini (@antlini1973) February 27, 2024
If we get a few early goals and put it out of their reach, it shouldn’t matter who the officials are
— Lizzy (@lizblue57) February 27, 2024
City will be looking to make the most of home advantage
Pep Guardiola‘s side have a formidable home record this season, having not lost in any of the 13 league matches they have played at the Etihad.
There have been four draws (including the Chelsea game), though, and the Cityzens will be looking to secure the 3 points as they look to maintain the pressure on Liverpool at the top of the table.
City team news ahead of the derby
The reigning Premier League champions could head into Sunday’s game with a fully fit squad (as long as they don’t pick up any injuries against Luton in the FA Cup on Tuesday evening).
Josko Gvardiol has been sidelined since the win over Everton with an ankle injury but Guardiola confirmed at this pre-match press conference on Monday that the Croatian international is closing on a return to first-team action.
