It will be the first Magpies game the 39-year-old has taken charge of this term, having refereed two United matches last season – the 0-0 draw at home to Brighton in December 2017 and the 2-1 win over Arsenal in April.

Saturday’s fixture at Old Trafford (5.30pm kick-off) is Taylor’s eighth outing of the season. All seven of his previous appointments have come in the Premier League, and he has overseen some high-scoring affairs, including 4-0 wins for Burnley over Bournemouth, and Liverpool over West Ham.

In total, he has shown 27 yellow cards in those seven games, but is yet to issue a red.

Taylor will be assisted by Gary Beswick and Adam Nunn, while Stuart Attwell will be the fourth official.