With Aston Villa fans relishing another opportunity to go up against Chelsea this midweek as we face them in the next round of the EFL Cup, there’s also the small matter of our weekend clash against Manchester United at Old Trafford on Saturday.
With plenty of changes expected by both sides on Wednesday evening, optimism for Saturday has definitely been dented by the news that the loveable and regularly competent, Mike Dean, has somewhat predictably been placed in charge of the game.
Mike Dean will referee next weekend's game between Manchester United and Aston Villa. #avfc | #utv | #vtid | #mufc pic.twitter.com/HuiB12SSWP
— Aston Villa Statto (@AVFCStatto) September 20, 2021
The news gets better with Andy Madley in charge of the Video (give it to United) Assistant Referee.
Vital Villa’s Manchester United Match Thread
With memories of Bruno Fernandes assaulting Ezri Konsa and Paul Pogba tripping himself up, yet both being awarded as penalties, Villans have had a very understandable reaction to the appointments.
Our resident Referee expert, sirdennis, sums it up nicely – and he’s far from alone.
“Well I get up this morning full of energy and optimism and within one post that took seconds to read, it has all been drained out of me. May as well give them the game now. I can just see Dean and Ronaldo walking out the tunnel holding hands. Nothing more certain there will be a penalty to them for a theatrical Ronaldo tumble.”
Obligated Penalty Incoming?
Yes
No
Let's play penalty bingo! I will go for 24th minute
— One Dart Wayne Niner (@villafanniner) September 20, 2021
98th when 8 minutes are added on out of nowhere
— DPJ (@dpjsc08) September 20, 2021
My day gets worse
— Mohammad Shauib (Shabba) (@MShauib1) September 20, 2021
Jesus H… Kick off will be from our penalty spot rather than the centre circle 🙄
— Paul Brown (@Brownie7114) September 20, 2021
Anyone up for a Penchester bingo drinking game? Blatant foul on Villa player not given but Instant yellow for any Villa player breathing on a Utd shirt, Ronaldo simulation in the box instapen, Villa handball in centre circle… pen to Utd, Smith juggling balls comment post match.
— Kieran Woodruff (@k1eranw) September 20, 2021
It's so obvious I don't reckon betting companies will even give odds on it
— keyserAVFC🦁 (@keyser1700) September 20, 2021
Well that's at least one penalty for Man U
— Chris (@CDG5805) September 20, 2021
Penalty for Man Utd is almost guaranteed now 🤦🏻
— James (@JamesEsq9) September 20, 2021
Man United have not had a penalty yet this season.think we all know what’s coming.
— VVSpark (@Vincentvilla81) September 20, 2021
Of course Mike Dean is the referee…Fernandes and Ronaldo are going to have a field day…
— Liam… (@alrightmateyou) September 20, 2021
As we go into the game, United are yet to be awarded a penalty in the 2021/22 campaign and you just know that little stat won’t exist by the time the final whistle is blown.
