United head to the Emirates Stadium this weekend, and 35-year-old Attwell has been appointed for the fixture – his 13th game of the season.

The game against Arsene Wenger’s side will be the third time he has refereed matches involving Newcastle this term, and both of the previous two ended in victories for Rafa Benítez’s side.

Attwell was the man in the middle of the 2-1 win over Stoke City at St. James’ Park in Setember, and he also oversaw the 1-0 win over Crystal Palace in October. In those two games, he showed a total of ten yellow cards.

In all, Warwickshire referee Attwell has taken charge of 12 games so far in 2017/18, showing 38 yellow cards and one red – to former Magpies frontman Andy Carroll, in West Ham’s 1-1 draw at Burnley.

He will be assisted by Simon Long and Matthew Wilkes at the Emirates, and Mike Dean will be the fourth official.