It will be the 33-year-old's first match involving the Magpies this season. He took charge of two United games last term: a home defeat to Watford and an away victory at Stoke.

So far in 2018/19, he has been the man in the middle on eight occasions, showing 22 yellow cards. He is yet to send a player off. Last season he brandished 102 yellow cards and four reds in 30 matches.

Kavanagh started refereeing in 1998 at the age of 13, and was appointed to the Football League list 16 years later. He was promoted to the Select Group of Referees in 2017.

On Saturday, he will be assisted by Daniel Cook and Sian Massey-Ellis. The fourth official will be Kevin Friend.