The Premier League have confirmed Manchester United’s referee against Arsenal as six new rules are introduced.
After a pre-season run that included fixtures in Sweden, the United States, and a final outing at Old Trafford, Rúben Amorim’s Manchester United are primed for the start of the 2025/26 Premier League season.
Victories over West Ham and Bournemouth, along with draws against Leeds United, Everton, and Fiorentina, ensured the Reds went unbeaten on tour. The meeting with Fiorentina was decided by a penalty shootout win, securing the Snapdragon Cup.
Focus now turns to Sunday, 17 August, when Arsenal arrive at Old Trafford for the opening weekend’s standout fixture.
The match is set to see multiple debuts, with Benjamin Šeško, Matheus Cunha, and Bryan Mbeumo likely to make their first appearances for United, while Viktor Gyökeres, Martin Zubimendi, and Noni Madueke could feature for Mikel Arteta’s side.
Simon Hooper (pictured above) will be the referee on Sunday afternoon in Manchester. Hooper officiated 24 Premier League fixtures last season, 15 Championship games, and three across other domestic competitions.
Hooper officiated United once last season. The tie was not one with fond memories, as goals from Joelinton and Alexander Isak secured a 2-0 win for Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Last season, Hooper issued 113 yellow cards in the Premier League and 137 across all competitions. He issued one red card last season via two yellow cards and one straight red card. He has awarded five penalties, all of which came in the Premier League.
During the game, Adrian Holmes and Simon Long. will serve as Hooper’s assistant referees. Jarred Gillett will be the fourth official on Sunday afternoon, separating Amorim and Arteta.
Paul Tierney has been appointed as the Video Assistant Referee. Steve Meredith will act as assistant VAR.
The 2025/26 Premier League season introduces several notable rule changes, led by a crackdown on time wasting. Goalkeepers holding the ball for more than eight seconds will face a five-second countdown, after which a corner will be awarded to the opposition.
Only captains can now speak to referees, with others risking a yellow card for approaching or showing disrespect to them. If the goalkeeper is the captain, one outfield player can be nominated to serve as the team’s point of contact for communication with officials.
Penalty rules have shifted so that if a player accidentally touches the ball twice during a spot kick and scores, the goal will stand. Other tweaks include indirect free-kicks if someone off the pitch interferes before the ball goes out, and drop balls awarded to the team likely to have gained possession when play stopped.
Lastly, goalkeeper offsides will be judged on their last point of contact with the ball, rather than the first.
