United could make it eight league games unbeaten should they avoid defeat against Graham Potter's men, with 50-year-old Atkinson tasked with overseeing the contest.

The vastly experienced official, born in Drighlington, has already visited Tyneside twice so far this term. He was in charge for the Magpies' 4-2 defeat at the hands of West Ham on the opening day, and also was appointed for the 4-0 reverse against Manchester City in December.

On those two occasions, he only booked two United players – Jonjo Shelvey against the Hammers and Isaac Hayden against City – and has generally shown some restraint when it comes to yellow cards this season, issuing a total of 41 across 17 games as well as three reds.

A top flight referee since 2005, Atkinson has a number of big matches on his CV, including the 2011 FA Cup final, the 2014 League Cup final and a host of international fixtures, given his time as a FIFA-listed official between 2006 and 2018.

Constantine Hatzidakis and James Mainwaring will assist Atkinson at St. James' Park on Saturday, with Chris Kavanagh confirmed as the fourth official.

Lee Mason will fill the role of VAR, with help from Richard West.