Referees for Man United’s next four games announced – Fans won’t be happy

The Premier League has announced referees who will officiate Manchester United’s next four matches in the festive period.

Manchester United manager Jose Mourinho has been vocal about referees in recent times, United’s loss to local rivals Manchester City being the latest fixture where ‘The Special One’ criticized Michael Oliver’s decision not to award a penalty to his side after Ander Herrera appeared to be fouled inside the box.

Mourinho’s men travel to the King Power Stadium on December 23rd to face former champions Leicester City and Jonathan Moss has been appointed to referee the fixture.

On Boxing Day, Man United face a stubborn Burnley side and the referee for this match will be Martin Atkinson.

On Saturday, December 30th, Craig Pawson will be in charge as Southampton play the Red Devils at Old Trafford.

In the New Year fixture, Andre Marriner will officiate the match as Man United travel to Goodison Park to face a resurgent Everton.

Mourinho will not be a happy man since he has had altercations with two of these referees in the past.

Martin Atkinson refereed the match between Chelsea and Mourinho’s men last season at Stamford Bridge and failed to send off David Luiz after a rough challenge on Marouane Fellaini. After the match, Mourinho slammed the referee, saying that he was neither fair nor strong enough.

“You hope you get a really strong referee in games like this. It was a major game for both clubs and you want a fair referee. You want a strong referee anyway and we didn’t get that. I don’t know why he’s got the game. I must say that when I saw who was refereeing it, I feared the worst,” an angry Mourinho said.

He will also not be happy with Craig Pawson since the last time Pawson officiated a Man United match, Mourinho was sent to the stands even though they won.

“I don't know. Craig told me to leave and I left. I don't know. He told me to leave, I left,” replied Mourinho after he was asked why he was asked to leave.

Andre Marriner is also not in Mourinho’s good books, as he failed to award Antonio Valencia a penalty in Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford last season. The match ended in a 1-1 draw.