It will be the Warwickshire official's third game involving the Magpies this term after the 37-year-old took charge of United's 3-1 defeat to Norwich City in August and their 3-2 win at West Ham last month.

Attwell booked Paul Dummett, Joelinton and Sean Longtsaff against the Canaries and showed a yellow card to Federico Fernández against the Hammers at the London Stadium.

In total, Attwell has refereed 11 games this season across the Premier League, Europa League and Championship, showing 60 yellow cards and one red, sending off Wolves' Romain Saïss in Wanderers' 1-1 draw against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.

In August 2008, Attwell became the youngest ever Premier League referee when he officiated a draw between Blackburn Rovers and Hull City at the age of 25, before Northumberland-based Michael Oliver broke the record two years later.

On Thursday night, Attwell will be assisted by Richard West and Derek Eaton, while Jarred Gillett will be the fourth official. Andre Marriner will be the video assistant referee with Scott Ledger as the assistant video referee.