United are back at St. James’ Park this weekend hoping for another spirited showing after last Sunday’s 1-1 draw at Wolves, and Attwell has been appointed for the fixture – his second Magpies game of the season.

Manchester-born official Attwell took charge of Newcastle’s opening day win at West Ham last month, with debut goals from Callum Wilson and Jeff Hendrick sealing the win for the visitors at the London Stadium.

He issued four yellow cards on that occasion, including two to Javier Manquillo and Isaac Hayden, with a further 23 yellows coming in his next four outings this term.

Those games have come in the Premier League, Championship and Europa League, with Attwell showing just one red card so far this season – to Brighton’s Lewis Dunk in their 1-1 draw at Crystal Palace almost a fortnight ago.

Last season, meanwhile, Attwell was the man in the middle of three fixtures involving United – the 3-1 defeat at Norwich, the 3-2 win at West Ham and the 2-0 victory over Sheffield United.

Constantine Hatzidakis and Marc Perry will assist Attwell on Tyneside this weekend, with Martin Atkinson acting as fourth official.

Craig Pawson will fill the role of VAR, and will be assisted by Darren Cann.