Simon Hooper to Officiate Manchester United vs Arsenal in Premier League 2025/26 Opener

The Premier League has confirmed referee appointments for Game Week 1 of the 2025/26 season, with Simon Hooper set to take charge of the headline clash between Manchester United and Arsenal.

The high-profile fixture will be played on Sunday, August 17, at Old Trafford, as both teams look to start their campaigns on the right note.

Hooper will be assisted by Adrian Holmes and Simon Long on the touchlines, while Jared Gillett has been named fourth official. Paul Tierney will oversee Video Assistant Referee (VAR) duties, with Steve Meredith acting as his assistant.

Last season, United finished as runners-up, while Arsenal endured a difficult campaign, ending up in 15th place. The stakes are high for both sides — United will want to show early intent in the title race, while Arsenal will be eager to prove they have put last year’s struggles behind them.

Opinion:
There’s something poetic about Manchester United vs Arsenal kicking off the new season’s biggest talking points. Once the fiercest rivalry in English football, the fixture now feels like it’s standing at a crossroads. United are chasing the heights of their glory days, and Arsenal, after a humbling season, are desperate to restore pride.

The referee appointment also adds an interesting layer — Simon Hooper has had his share of scrutiny in high-pressure matches, and with VAR in Paul Tierney’s hands, you can bet that every big call will be dissected by fans and pundits alike.

If Arsenal can silence Old Trafford early, the narrative could shift in their favour. But if United stamp their authority from the first whistle, it might set the tone for another difficult season for the Gunners. Either way, football romantics will be hoping for a game that delivers both drama and quality — and perhaps a spark of that old rivalry magic.