EPL: Referee for Man Utd vs Arsenal opening game confirmed

The Premier League has appointed referees for Game Week 1 of the 2025/2026 season.

Simon Hooper will take charge of the biggest match of the opening weekend, when Manchester United welcome Arsenal.

The fixture has been scheduled for Sunday, August 17 at Old Trafford.

Hooper’s assistants will be Adrian Holmes and Simon Long, while Jared Gillett has been appointed as the fourth official.

Paul Tierney will be on Video Assistant Referee, VAR, duty for the game, to be assisted by Steve Meredith.

Both United and Arsenal will be looking to kick off their campaign on a good note, after finishing second and 15th respectively last term.

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