It will be the first time the Nuneaton-born official has been in charge of a game involving the Magpies this season, although the 36-year-old was the man in the middle for four of United's top flight fixtures last term.

Three of those games ended in victories for Newcastle - with home wins over Stoke City and Crystal Palace before a 2-1 away win at Leicester City in April.

Attwell, who became the youngest ever Premier League referee at 25, has taken charge of a total of 16 fixtures this season across the Premier League, Championship, Carabao Cup, FA Cup and League Two.

In those games, Attwell has issued 53 yellow cards and one red card, sending off Manchester United goalkeeper Sergio Romero in their Carabao Cup loss to Derby County.

Attwell will be assisted by Stephen Child and Neil Davies at St. James' Park on Saturday, while Martin Atkinson will be the fourth official.