Anthony Taylor Set to Officiate Manchester United vs. Liverpool Clash: The Intriguing Debate Continues
The upcoming Manchester United versus Liverpool match is always a heated affair, filled with passion, history, and, of course, the occasional controversy. This Sunday’s encounter promises to be no different, especially with Manchester-born referee Anthony Taylor appointed to officiate. Taylor’s roots in Wythenshawe, just outside of Manchester, have often been the subject of light-hearted banter among fans, particularly when he’s tasked with overseeing Liverpool matches. But beneath the surface, there’s a fascinating discussion to be had about the implications of such appointments.
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Taylor’s Record with Liverpool and Manchester United
Anthony Taylor is no stranger to this high-profile fixture. In fact, Sunday’s match will mark the fifth time he’s been in charge of a Manchester United vs. Liverpool game since 2016. His history with Liverpool is extensive, having refereed more matches involving the Reds (60) than any other club. Chelsea (51), Arsenal (50), Everton, and Manchester United (both 47) follow closely behind. This weekend will see Taylor add yet another chapter to his record as he takes charge of one of football’s fiercest rivalries.
Liverpool fans may recall several memorable matches with Taylor at the helm, including last season’s 2-2 draw at Old Trafford, as well as the emphatic 4-2 and 5-0 victories at the same venue in the 2020/21 and 2021/22 seasons, respectively. His debut officiating this fixture dates back to 2016, when the two sides played out a goalless draw at Anfield.
The Question of Bias: Myth or Reality?
Given Taylor’s Manchester roots, it’s almost inevitable that his impartiality is questioned by some Liverpool supporters. However, it’s crucial to approach these claims with a healthy dose of scepticism. The perception of bias isn’t limited to one side; Manchester United fans have also expressed their frustrations with Taylor’s decisions on numerous occasions. This mutual dissatisfaction might suggest that Taylor is, in fact, quite even-handed in his approach—perhaps too much so, depending on who you ask.
Interestingly, statistics offer some insight into the win rates of teams under Taylor’s officiating. Arsenal boasts the highest success rate at 60%, with Manchester United close behind at 59.6%. Manchester City (56.8%), Tottenham (54.3%), and Liverpool (53.3%) have also managed to win more than half of their matches with Taylor in charge. These figures show that while Taylor has been involved in key moments for several top teams, the results are not overwhelmingly in favour of any one side.
The Supporting Cast: Officials for the Big Game
Alongside Anthony Taylor, a familiar team of officials will be present for Sunday’s match. Gary Beswick and Andy Nunn will serve as assistant referees, with Sam Barrott fulfilling the role of the fourth official. The VAR duties will be handled by John Brooks, assisted by Harry Lennard. This ensemble of experienced officials is well-equipped to manage the intense atmosphere that inevitably accompanies this fixture.
In a recent discussion surrounding referee appointments, Howard Webb, the head of the Professional Game Match Officials Limited (PGMOL), hinted at a new level of transparency by suggesting that officials’ club allegiances might be made public. However, he quickly retracted this idea, leaving fans to continue their speculation. It’s widely reported that Anthony Taylor supports non-league side Altrincham, a claim backed up by Grahame Rowley, the club’s president, who revealed last year that Taylor still maintains a season ticket despite his busy schedule. This affiliation with a lower league team rather than a Premier League giant may help to diffuse some of the criticism directed his way, though it’s unlikely to silence the debate entirely.
Looking Ahead to Sunday’s Showdown
As anticipation builds for Sunday’s clash, all eyes will be on Anthony Taylor and his team of officials. In a match where every decision is scrutinised, the focus on the referee can often overshadow the performances of the players on the pitch. Yet, as history has shown, Taylor’s presence is unlikely to define the outcome. Both Manchester United and Liverpool will need to rise to the occasion, with or without the added drama of contentious refereeing decisions.
The truth is, football fans love a good conspiracy, and the narrative of a Manchester-born referee overseeing a match between United and Liverpool is too tempting to resist. However, when the whistle blows, what truly matters is the 22 players on the pitch, and their ability to deliver a performance worthy of this historic rivalry.
