The 50-year-old has been confirmed as the man in the middle for the curtain-raiser at St. James’ Park, which kicks off the 2021/22 campaign for Steve Bruce’s men.

Atkinson is one of the English game’s highest-profile officials, having been a fixture in the top flight since 2005.

The West Yorkshire whistler was also a FIFA-listed referee between 2006 and 2018, having worked his way up to the Premier League from non-league, with some stints as an assistant referee too.

Atkinson – who has taken charge of an FA Cup final, a League Cup final, an FA Trophy final and a Community Shield clash in his distinguished career – oversaw 30 fixtures last term across the top tier and two main domestic cup competitions.

In those games he issued 71 yellow cards and two reds. United’s 0-0 draw at West Brom in March was his only appointment involving Newcastle in 2020/21.

Atkinson will be assisted by Lee Betts and James Mainwaring on Sunday, with David Coote named as fourth official.

Peter Bankes has been confirmed as VAR, and will be assisted by Neil Davies.