The 48-year-old has been appointed for the fixture at the Vitality Stadium as the Magpies return to league action following Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final defeat to Manchester City.

It will be the third time Friend has taken charge of a game involving United this term, with the Bristol official having overseen the 1-1 home draw with Wolves in October and the 4-1 reverse at Manchester United on Boxing Day.

The clash with Wolves at St. James’ Park was particularly eventful, with Friend showing a straight red card to midfielder Sean Longstaff – the first dismissal of his career – for a challenge on Ruben Neves.

Jamaal Lascelles put Steve Bruce’s men in front on that occasion before Jonny’s second half leveller in a game which saw Friend issue four yellow cards, as well as that red.

Longstaff’s younger brother Matty put Newcastle in front at Old Trafford just after Christmas, meanwhile, before the hosts fought back to take the points. Friend dished out another four yellows that day, with two of them going to Fabian Schär and DeAndre Yedlin.

Wednesday’s game against the Cherries will be Friend’s 30th outing of the season, with most of his appointments coming in the top flight.

He has also refereed in the FA Cup, Carabao Cup and the Championship, handing out a total of 84 yellow cards and six reds during that time and keeping his cards pocketed in just one fixture so far.

Simon Beck and Dan Robathan will be Friend’s assistants on the south coast in midweek, with Tim Robinson acting as fourth official.

Paul Tierney will be VAR, assisted by Stephen Child, while John Flynn will be the replacement official.