The 40-year-old has been appointed for the fixture at the King Power Stadium, which will be the first time Pawson has officiated in a game involving United since their 2-0 win over Burnley in February.

That victory at St. James’ Park was one of three Newcastle fixtures Sheffield-born Pawson took charge of last term. He sent off Isaac Hayden during the Magpies’ goalless draw at Cardiff City in August 2018, and was also the man in the middle of the 1-0 win over Watford in November 2018.

In all, Pawson refereed 37 games last season across the Premier League, Championship, League One, FA Cup and Carabao Cup, as well as fixtures in the Champions League, Europa League, European Championship qualifiers and international friendlies.

So far this season, Pawson – whose first Premier League appointment was a 1-0 home win for Swansea City over Newcastle in March 2013 – has dished out 29 yellow cards in five outings, including ten in Ajax’s 3-2 Champions League win over PAOK Salonika last month.

He will be assisted by Lee Betts and Ian Hussin on Sunday, while David Coote will be the fourth official.

The video assistant referee will be Simon Hooper, with Derek Eaton in the role of assistant VAR.