It will be the second time Marriner has taken charge of a Magpies game this season, having overseen the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham Htspur at St. James’ Park on the campaign’s opening day.

On that occasion, he sent off United’s Jonjo Shelvey, and also showed yellow cards to Matt Ritchie and the visitors’ Harry Kane and Ben Davies.

Birmingham official Marriner – who was promoted to the Select Group of referees in 2005 –  will be taking charge of his sixth game of 2017/18 on Sunday. Four of his previous five have come in the Premier League, while one was a 3-2 World Cup qualifying win for Cyprus against Bosnia and Herzegovina.

In total, the 46-year-old has dished out 14 yellow cards during those games, with Shelvey having been on the end of the only red he has issued so far this term.

Marriner will be assisted on Sunday by Simon Beck and Richard West, and Craig Pawson will be the fourth official.