Rafa Benítez returns to Anfield with the Magpies on Saturday evening (5.30pm kick-off), and it will be just the second time that Scott has overseen a United match this season.

His first came in January, when he took charge of the 1-1 draw against Swansea City at St. James’ Park. On that occasion, he booked three Swans players – Kyle Bartley, Alfie Mawson and Jordan Ayew.

This term, Scott – who has been a top flight referee since 2014 – has dished out a total of 56 yellow cards in his 22 games across the Premier League, Championship, League One, FA Cup and Carabao Cup so far, as well as four reds.

The Oxfordshire-born official refereed just two Magpies games in the whole of last season – the 2-0 win at Leeds United in November 2016 and the victory by the same scoreline at Cardiff City in April 2017.

He will be assisted by Simon Long and Daniel Cook at Anfield on Saturday, while Neil Swarbrick will be the fourth official.