The referee could have a big part to play when Manchester United visit Sevilla for the Europa League quarter-final second leg.
The official in the first leg of the quarter-final had a direct impact on this return leg. His decision to yellow card Bruno Fernandes for an innocuous handball decision has ruled the playmaker out of this fixture through suspension.
This second leg is evenly poised at 2-2, winner takes it all. Expect a fiery, passionate match from both ides, with some gamesmanship mixed in too.
The referee will have to be strong to handle the pressure. Casemiro will want to avoid his attention too, he is one booking away from a suspension too.
Referee for Manchester United v Sevilla
The referee for Manchester United’s match against Sevilla is Portuguese official Artur Dias.
He is a familiar face to the Red Devils. He has officiated three Manchester United matches before, including a Europa League quarter-final against a Spanish side.
The first Manchester United match we refereed was actually a defeat. It was the 2-1 loss to Danish side FC Midtjylland, the game before Marcus Rashford made his debut and reversed the deficit spectacularly.
Anthony Martial is the only player from the matchday squad that night in Denmark who still remains.
Artur Dias subsequently took charge of Manchester United’s 5-0 victory away at LASK in the final match before lockdown in 2020. Odion Ighalo netted a spectacular goal against the Austrian opponents.
The last United game Dias took charge of is the really good omen. It was the Europa League quarter-final against Granada in 2021.
This was held in Spain, with Manchester United winning the game 2-0, with goals from Marcus Rashford and Bruno Fernandes. Unfortunately neither will be available on Thursday night due to injury and suspension.
He was card-happy that night, booking five Red Devils players, including captain Harry Maguire.