MIKE DEAN has been named the referee for Manchester United’s crunch clash with Arsenal on Sunday.
But the appointment did not go down well… with BOTH sets of supporters left ‘upset’ and ‘equally worried’.
Arsenal and Manchester United fans bemoaned the appointment of Mike Dean as ref for Sunday’s gameCredit: AFP or licensors
Dean, 52, has earned himself a reputation as a ‘celebrity ref’ for his often-unusual and eccentric style of officiating.
He has reffed more matches (513, second is 415), shown more red cards (105, second is 67) and awarded more penalties (173, second is 96) than any other official in Premier League history.
Arsenal fans were also quick to point out his and United’s penalty records.
Manchester United have been given 36 penalties in all competitions since Ole Gunnar Solskjaer took over.
Stats show United have benefitted from 40 wins and 18 penalties in 74 games from the Wirral whistler but Arsenal have 36 wins and just six penalties from 75 matches.
Both have received six red cards from ‘Deany’, who has refereed six Premier League matches between the sides.
Two have ended in draws but United won the other four 2-1 – and won penalties in two of those victories.
Arsenal fans – and defenders – should be worried.
Jack Wilshere is the only man to be sent off in the six Premier League clashes between Arsenal and Manchester United reffed by Mike DeanCredit: Mark Robinson – The Sun
Mike Dean in Man Utd vs Arsenal PL matches
16/05/2009 Man Utd 0-0 Arsenal – yellow cards: 5 (all Arsenal), red cards: 0, penalties: 0
29/08/2009 Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal – yellow cards: 9 (3 Man Utd, 6 Arsenal), red cards: 0, penalties: 1 (Man Utd)
22/01/2012 Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd – yellow cards: 7 (5 Arsenal, 2 Man Utd), red cards: 0, penalties: 0
03/11/2012 Man Utd 2-1 Arsenal – yellow cards: 7 (5 Man Utd, 2 Arsenal), red cards: 1 (Jack Wilshere, Arsenal), penalties: 1 (Man Utd)
22/11/2014 Arsenal 1-2 Man Utd – yellow cards: 3 (2 Arsenal, 1 Man Utd), red cards: 0, penalties: 0
17/05/2015 Man Utd 1-1 Arsenal – yellow cards: 1 (Man Utd), red cards: 0, penalties: 0
One said: “Mike Dean ref for the Arsenal United game? Yeah, congrats on the two penalties and the win.”
Another wrote: “Mike Dean has given Man United more penalties than any other team. Manchester United get penalties every other game.
“Mustafi is likely to start. That means we are already 1 goal behind. Just hope team can fight back!”
And a third Gooner joked: “The only referee who has both the fanbase equally worried. Legend of the game.”
In Arsenal’s last game with Dean in the middle, he gave penalties to both the Gunners and Watford in a 3-2 win for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Incredibly, he did the same in his most recent match with United as Marcus Rashford and Bournemouth’s Joshua King both scored from the spot in a 5-2 Red Devils win at Old Trafford.
Manchester United were awarded a whopping 22 penalties during the 2019/20 season
Dean has taken charge of four Premier League games this season and dished out ten yellows, as well as sending off West Brom duo Kieran Gibbs and manager Slaven Bilic against Everton.
He will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Dan Robathan on the lines with Anthony Taylor fourth official.
Peter Bankes is the VAR and will be supported by Neil Davies at Stockley Park for Sunday’s 4.30pm kick-off at Old Trafford.
However, United fans also expressed their dismay with Dean having the whistle.
One tweeted: “Congratulations Arsenal, on your first Top 6 away win since January 2015.”
Another commented: “First ever game where both teams lose incoming.”
And a final user simply added: “Advantage Arsenal.”
Dean sent off Kieran Gibbs and Slaven Bilic in West Brom’s 5-2 defeat to Everton this seasonCredit: Getty Images – Getty
Agbonlahor brands Mike Dean ‘the most arrogant fool you will ever see’ and claims referee tells players to ‘get lost’
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
