The Wigan-born 37-year-old was at St. James' Park as recently as the opening day of the season, when he was fourth official for the game against Tottenham.

He refereed two games involving United last term - the 1-0 defeat to AFC Bournemouth in November and January's 3-1 loss at Manchester City. Overall in 2017/18, he took charge of 32 fixtures and showed 81 yellow cards, but did not flash a red card all season.

And in his only previous outing this term, Burnley's 3-1 defeat to Watford last weekend, he showed three yellow cards.

On Sunday, he will be assisted by Ian Hussin and Darren Cann. Martin Atkinson will be the fourth official.