Manchester-born referee Kavanagh has been appointed for the fixture at the Emirates Stadium as United go in search of a first win of the new calendar year as well as a place in the fourth round.

A Select Group official since 2017, Kavanagh has been a regular Premier League referee for the last three years having worked his way through the ranks. As recently as 2012, he was officiating in the National League.

Kavanagh - who was promoted to FIFA’s list of international referees in 2019 - last oversaw a Magpies fixture in June 2020. Steve Bruce’s side drew 1-1 with Aston Villa on that occasion, which was one of three of their games refereed by him last term.

So far this season, he has taken charge of games in the Premier League, Champions League, Europa League and the Nations League, issuing a total of 67 yellow cards and just one red in 16 matches.

Kavanagh will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Sian Massey-Ellis on Saturday, with Gavin Ward named as the fourth official.

Andre Marriner will be on VAR duty for the game against the Gunners, and will be assisted by Neil Davies.