United head to the capital looking to make it four Premier League wins in a row against David Moyes' men, who are pushing for a place in Europe.

And 36-year-old whistler Kavanagh – one of the youngest referees in the top flight – has been appointed for the fixture, which will be broadcast live on BT Sport.

Kavanagh was born in Ashton-under-Lyme and rose quickly through the English football pyramid, becoming a National League official in his twenties before his promotion to the EFL in 2014.

Just three years later he was handed his first Premier League game, a match between West Bromwich Albion and Southampton, after being awarded Select Group 1 official status.

He also joined FIFA's list of international referees in 2019, and in May 2021 he was handed his first outing as the man in the middle at Wembley when he took charge of Brentford’s Championship play-off final win over Swansea City.

It will be the second time in quick succession that Kavanagh has refereed a Newcastle game, following his appearance in their 1-0 win over Leeds United last month.

He has had 18 outings across all competitions so far this term, comprising fixtures in the Premier League, Championship, Carabao Cup, Champions League and the Europa Conference League. In those matches, he has issued a total of 68 yellow cards and just two reds.

Constantine Hatzidakis and James Mainwaring will assist Kavanagh this weekend, with Graham Scott named as fourth official.

Jarred Gillett has been confirmed as the official in charge of VAR, with Harry Lennard as his assistant.