Manchester United face Brighton & Hove Albion in their third round of the Carabao Cup tonight (September 16th).
Michael Carrick's men host the Seagulls and will be eager to bounce back following a 1-0 defeat to Manchester City in a controversial derby on Sunday. Two major incidents involving VAR were the main talking point in the aftermath of the hosts' defeat.
Pro Ref have since admitted they incorrectly awarded Erling Haaland's winner. VAR for the day Matt Donohue and his assistant Blake Antrobus failed to focus on Enzo Fernandez interfering with play from an offside position.
Donohue and Antrobus have been stood down for this weekend's Premier League action. Neither are expected to be officiating a United game anytime soon.
Meet Manchester United vs Brighton Referee Farai Hallam
Tonight's referee is Farai Hallam and he has an interesting backstory given he will be taking charge of United and Brighton at senior level for the first time. He had started his career in football on the pitch, a member of Stevenage's academy before being released at the of 18.
Hallam made his Premier League debut in Manchester City's 2-0 win over Wolverhampton Wanderers last season. He received some criticism after opting not to award a penalty despite VAR sending him to the pitchside monitor.
The 33-year-old's only top-flight fixture this season came last weekend when he officiated Chelsea's 2-2 draw at home to Hull City. He has shown 17 yellow cards so far this season and booked players 111 times during the previous campaign.
Who is Assisting Farai Hallam
Joining Hallam on the touchline are his assistants Craig Taylor and Conor Brown while fourth official for the night is Lewis Smith. There is no risk of more VAR controversy because the technology isn't used in the Carabao Cup until the semi-finals.
As the competition features clubs from English football's four tiers, the Premier League down to EFL League Two, some lower-division grounds are unable to accommodate the technology. That will come as a relief to Carrick who admitted he was 'worried' about the standard of officiating following the VAR error in the derby.
