The first Manchester derby of the 2026-27 season will see two new full-time managers look for bragging rights for the first time in nearly a decade, with City and United locking horns at the Old Trafford Stadium on Sunday.
Carrick, having impressed as an interim manager last season, took over the Red Devils on a full-time basis, while Enzo Maresca took over the reins at City from Pep Guardiola. And it remains to be seen who has the last laugh after what promises to be a riveting contest.
Who is the referee in Manchester United vs Manchester City?
Michael Oliver will be the referee in Manchester United vs Manchester City in the Premier League.
Oliver made his debut in the fifth division of England, the National League, in September 2005. After a number of years refereeing various matches across the English second to fifth divisions, he made his Premier League debut in August 2010.
He became a regular in the league in his first season itself, taking charge of sixteen top flight fixtures. This has been Oliver’s second FIFA World Cup, having taken charge of three games at the 2022 edition.
Oliver has officiated in three Premier League matches this season, handing out eight yellow cards and giving one penalty. He was one of the several English referees at the FIFA World Cup and was the man-in-the-middle in the quarterfinal between Spain and Belgium.
The 41-year-old’s last match was the UEFA Champions League league-phase match between Real Madrid and Inter Milan.
What is Michael Oliver’s record against Manchester United?
Oliver has officiated 51 matches involving Manchester United, and has shown its players 106 yellow cards and five red cards. He oversaw four of United’s matches last season, with the Red Devils winning three of them.
Oliver has awarded Man Utd eight penalties but also given seven against them.
What is Michael Oliver’s record against Manchester City?
Oliver has been the referee in 66 matches involving Manchester City, and has shown 101 yellow cards and just one red card. He awarded 12 penalties to City, while giving nine against the team.
Published on Sep 13, 2026