Manchester United fans fume with Michael Oliver to take charge of Cardiff clash
The Red Devils have a poor record with the the Northumberland-born ref in charge.
In 29 games across the Premier League and FA Cup, United have won ten, drawn eight and lost 11 with Oliver in the middle.
The only match he has taken charge of involving Manchester United this season was the 3-1 defeat at West Ham at the end of September.
But Oliver was also the referee for last season's FA Cup final when they lost to Chelsea as well as the 2-1 home defeat in the Manchester derby last December.
And fans were quick to take to Twitter to vent their frustration at the PGMOL's appointment.
United fan @huskiii said: "Bloody Michael Oliver as a ref ffs."
Fellow supporter @Ryan13106 added: "Michael Oliver," followed by the sickening emoji to express his disgust.
It is not just the Red Devils faithful that have a problem with Oliver – who is widely considered, especially within refereeing circles, to be one of the best referees in the country.
Former boss Jose Mourinho criticised him in March 2017, claiming Oliver had cost United four matches last season.
He sent off Ander Herrera in the FA Cup against Chelsea for a foul on Eden Hazard and awarded three penalties against Mourinho's side earlier in the season which all proved pivotal.
The Special One said: "I think we all watched the match until the red card and after the red card and then we can compare the decision of the two yellow cards in this case with other ones that were not given, but I don't want to go in that direction.
"Mr Michael Oliver – a referee with fantastic potential. Manchester United were a bit unlucky. In four matches, three penalties and one red card in such an early moment of the game but again I cannot change that."
Oliver was also the man in charge of Real Madrid's Champions League quarter-final game against Juventus at the Bernabeu last season.
He gave a late penalty and sent Gianluigi Buffon off but was supported by peers for his handling of the abuse and treatment directed his way.
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