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Referee Andy Madley has been confirmed to be the individual who will take charge of the 2024 Emirates FA Cup final between Manchester United and Manchester City on Saturday 25 May.
United are set to come up against City for the second consecutive time after they dramatically overcame Coventry City in the semi-final stage of the competition.
During a disappointing season in which performances and results have left much to be desired, Erik ten Hag and his players still have the opportunity to end it on a high note by clinching some silverware and somewhat restoring some of the pride and dignity that has already been lost.
The Dutchman himself has relayed on multiple occasions that the FA Cup is a do-or-die situation for United courtesy of how events have unfolded at Old Trafford this term.
Even more important from United’s perspective is that they can sneak their way into the Europa League if they beat City at Wembley.
As it stands, a top-six finish looks like an uphill task for the Red Devils, who suffered their 13th Premier League defeat of the campaign at the hands of Crystal Palace on Monday night.
Lifting the FA Cup could also go a long way in supporting Ten Hag’s claims to remain in the Old Trafford dugout and be afforded a bit more time to realize his vision at United.
The decision to name Madley as the referee for the FA Cup final may pique the interest of Ten Hag, who has clashed with him before.
On March 3, United were beaten 3-1 by City but the match was shrouded in some controversy after Madley refused to award a foul on Marcus Rashford by Kyle Walker. There was also another instance in which goalkeeper Ederson seemed to have illegally brought down Alejandro Garnacho inside the box but yet again, Madley did not give United anything.
After the game, a fuming Ten Hag said, “The defining moments were not on our side. I will not say it was a tackle from Kyle Walker. Rashy confirmed to me there was contact.”
“It’s a defining moment in the game because in the counter-attack they scored. We stuck to the plan, and we had the moment of the reckless action of the goalkeeper of City [on Garnacho]. We were really close to getting a win, or at least a draw, here.”
Meanwhile, Madley expressed his pride after receiving the call to officiate the final. He told the FA, “It’s an absolute delight and honor to receive this appointment.”
“Domestically, it’s the biggest game of any referee’s career, the one we all dream of when we complete the referee course. I can only imagine what it will be like to lead the two teams out in front of a sold-out Wembley.”
“To receive this appointment off the back of my hard work this season is truly humbling.”
Madley has refereed United on three other occasions this season. The Huddersfield-born official will be joined by Harry Lennard and Nick Hopton as the assistant referees. Simon Hooper will be the fourth official with Michael Oliver on VAR duty. Peter Banks will be in support and Stuart Burt the assistant.
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