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Harri Burton

Mon 18 August 2025 15:00, UK

Simon Hooper was a surprise appointment for Man United versus Arsenal at Old Trafford, according to Keith Hackett.

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The former PGMOL chief and ex-FIFA official exclusively told Football Insider that he was disappointed by the referee’s overall performance on Sunday, 17 August, missing several key incidents.

Bryan Mbeumo was lucky to escape a sanction after landing an elbow on Martin Zubimendi in the opening moments, but it was a lack of a free-kick which shocked Hackett in this situation.

With the Red Devils aiming to improve on last season, and Mikel Arteta‘s side targeting the Premier League title, it was a feisty affair between the giants, but the referee did very little to calm players down.

This article contains exclusive comments from ex-PGMOL chief, FIFA official and former professional referee Keith Hackett.

Man United fans were furious as Altay Bayindir conceded the opener, with Riccardo Calafiori pouncing at the back post, but Hackett believes William Saliba did nothing wrong against the shot-stopper.

Matheus Cunha and Harry Maguire were both at the centre of penalty calls, which were waved away by the referee, and the England centre-back let his feelings known in the closing stages at Old Trafford.

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PGMOL boss Howard Webb clearly felt Hooper had what it took to officiate the game, but after the 90 minutes on Sunday, both sets of fans’ anger towards the referee was understood by Hackett.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former referee said: “I was less than satisfied with the referee’s performance.

When you’ve got fouls taking place, but the referee is completely ignoring them without a signal of advantage, it opens up the question of whether he’s seen it or not. 

“Hooper’s approach was, ‘I’ll keep the game going.

I’ll stay low-key’, but in doing so, the game at times was bubbling.

It was an indifferent performance, and he was lucky not to have a mass confrontation. 

Howard Webb appointed Simon Hooper for the clash at Old Trafford.

I was surprised that he was appointed for this game because I know the history between these teams.

As a former boss, you always put on your strongest referee, who would maintain control. 

“Howard Webb laid down all these rules, like grappling inside the box, and while they were both well disciplined, the inconsistency came through. 

“There were a couple of early reckless challenges, and he felt the need to keep his cards in his pocket.
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