Man Utd boss Rangnick’s idea will see Premier League refs train with players

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Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has come up with a clever idea that will see Premier League referees train with players.

There has been fierce criticism of the performances of match officials this season, with a host of controversial decisions affecting games. All 20 Premier League managers held a summit with the PGMOL, who are in charge of refereeing in the top-flight, this week to lay out any concerns.

As part of the summit, which lasted for two days, Rangnick is reported to have suggested an idea that could increase the interaction players have with officials. There is hope that his plan will improve the relationship between the two groups.

According to the Daily Mail, Rangnick's plan would see referees train alongside players at Premier League training grounds. The United boss is said to have told PGMOL boss Mike Riley that officials should train with the clubs to allow player to 'get to know them' and break down 'negative preconceptions'.

Details of the plan still need to be finalised, but it is understood the move would see officials permitted to use club facilities for the first time. It has also been suggested that these referees could take charge of training ground matches, which are usually overseen by coaches.

Rangnick was backed by his fellow Premier League bosses, who are also keen to welcome in referees to training grounds. The PGMOL is now looking at how to put the plan into action, with a start date of next season being eyed.

The move has been backed by former Premier League referee Mark Clattenburg, who revealed such a plan was first muted when he was still a match official. But Clattenburg did highlight a potential issue with Rangnick's idea.

"The idea was we'd go to a local club – someone whose games we weren't allowed to oversee. So I'd go in, train with the squad, referee their small-sided games, sit down with the players, listen to feedback and give them feedback of my own," he told the Daily Mail.

"I thought it would improve our relationship and I still think it's a great idea now. Referees know the laws of the game inside out but this gives them the chance to understand the game from the players' point of view.

"The only problem with this plan is the fuel it would give to conspiracy theorists. Say Michael Oliver trained with Newcastle then made a controversial call that went against one of their relegation rivals, there would be an outcry."

• Premier League
• Manchester United FC
• Ralf Rangnick

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