Mike Dean dispels Man Utd “myth” in latest admission on Premier League referees
Former referee Mike Dean has rejected a claim that Manchester United can sway officials for penalties at Old Trafford amid controversy surrounding their weekend victory.
The Red Devils looked to be on their way to defeat to Nottingham Forest on Saturday having gone 2-0 down early on. However, strikes from Christian Eriksen and Casemiro hauled them level before Bruno Fernandes netted a late penalty to secure victory.
There were a number of complaints about the awarding of the spot-kick, Forest boss Steve Cooper particularly aggrieved. It was the second home game in succession where United had gotten somewhat fortunate regarding a penalty decision.
Goalkeeper Andre Onana was very lucky not to concede a penalty on his home Premier League debut after crashing into Wolves striker Sasa Kalajdzic. Writing in a MailOnline column after the game, former striker Chris Sutton has claimed that it is understandable why clubs think there is a ‘big club bias’ when they go to Old Trafford.
However, Dean has insisted that is not the case and instead said that officials relish the chance to referee a game at Old Trafford. He said: “Sorry to disappoint you, Chris, but it’s a myth that Manchester United get favourable treatment from referees at Old Trafford. I was never frightened of refereeing there.
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"I loved it. When the appointments list is mailed round on a Monday, you’re buzzing if you get that gig, because you want to officiate in the biggest stadiums and they hardly come bigger than Old Trafford.
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Mike Dean has also opened up on attempting to referee with Sir Alex Ferguson on the touchline (Getty Images)“It’s absurd to think that an official would walk out on to that pitch feeling as if he has to do United any favours. That includes Saturday’s referee Stuart Attwell.”
Whilst Dean has suggested that the Red Devils have not had any preferential treatment, it certainly felt that way under legendary boss Sir Alex Ferguson. The Scot was certainly an intimidating figure on the touchline at Old Trafford but Dean has explained that there is a simple explanation for the amount of penalties the Red Devils received during his tenure.
He added: “Under Sir Alex Ferguson, United were a possession-based attack-minded team, so naturally they were going to create more chances where penalties could be called. I’m often asked what it was like to face Ferguson.
“He wasn’t the happiest when I awarded Hull City a penalty at Old Trafford in November 2008 – despite United going on to win the game 4-3! – but he was largely a gentleman.
“Not once did he come banging down my dressing room door to give me the 'hairdryer treatment'. I've got no hair to dry anyway!”
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