United face the Premier League champions-elect at the Etihad Stadium just over a week on from the narrow 1-0 home defeat to another title-chasing side Liverpool.

And Attwell has been confirmed as the official in charge of this weekend's contest, with City looking to move further ahead at the top of the table and the Magpies seeking points that would help them consolidate their place in the top half.

The 39-year-old became one of the Football League's youngest referees when he was promoted from non-league at the start of the 2007/08 season, and just a few months later he had overseen his first Championship match.

After just a year’s experience at English football’s professional levels, Nuneaton-born Attwell became part of the Select Group of referees in the top flight but was demoted back to the Football League in 2012. Two years on, he regained his place in the Premier League and has been a regular there since.

Attwell has only taken charge of one game involving Newcastle this term – the 2-0 defeat at Arsenal in November – but has been involved in FA Cup, Carabao Cup, Champions League and Europa Conference League fixtures in 2021/22, issuing 86 yellows and just one red in his 25 outings so far.

Constantine Hatzidakis and Neil Davies will assist Attwell on Sunday, with Anthony Taylor named as fourth official. Jarred Gillett will be the VAR, with help from Nick Hopton.