This will be the 34-year-old's second game involving the Magpies this term after taking charge of Newcastle's 2-2 draw against Manchester City at St. James' Park in November. Kavanagh dished out three yellow cards that day, booking United's Javier Manquillo.

In the 20 games the Manchester-born official has refereed so far this term, Kavanagh has shown 74 yellow cards in total but is yet to show a red in the 2019/20 campaign.

Kavanagh, who was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in 2017, was the man in the middle for four of Newcastle's Premier League fixtures last season, including United's 1-0 win at Leicester, goalless draw away to Southampton and defeats to Chelsea and West Ham United.

On Saturday, Kavanagh will be assisted by Daniel Cook and Constantine Hatzidakis while Anthony Taylor is the fourth official. Kevin Friend will be the video assistant referee and will be aided by Andy Halliday.