The 41-year-old has been appointed for the game at St. James’ Park, which will be his third visit to Tyneside this season.

Sheffield-born referee Pawson was the man in the middle of United’s 4-1 defeat to Manchester United in October, before returning to St. James’ to officiate in the Magpies’ 2-0 loss to Chelsea the following month.

Pawson was primarily a Football League referee until 2013, when he was promoted to the Select Group. Since then he has become an established top flight official, who was promoted to the FIFA International Referee List in 2015.

As well as domestic fixtures in the Premier League, Championship and FA Cup, Pawson has overseen Europa League and UEFA Nations League matches in 2020/21 so far.

In 20 outings this season, he has issued a total of 68 yellows - at least one in every game - and four reds, two of which were shown to Arsenal’s David Luiz and Bernd Leno in their defeat at Wolves on Tuesday.

Ian Hussin and Richard West will assist Pawson on Saturday, with John Brooks named as fourth official.

Robert Jones will be the VAR, and he will be assisted by Adrian Holmes.