United head to Turf Moor on Sunday lunchtime (12pm kick-off) hoping to put further distance between themselves and the bottom three, and Wythenshawe-born official Taylor has been confirmed as the man who will take charge of the contest.

The 42-year-old is one of the top flight’s most distinguished referees, having been a regular in the division since his promotion to the Select Group of referees in 2010.

He also has two FA Cup final appointments under his belt, in 2017 and 2020, as well as a League Cup final and a Community Shield clash, and since 2013 he has been a FIFA-listed official.

That means Taylor can referee fixtures in continental competitions, too, and since the start of 2020/21 that has meant outings in the UEFA Nations League, Champions League, Super Cup and World Cup qualifiers.

It has been a busy season for former Northern Premier League whistler Taylor, who will oversee his 31st game in all competitions on Sunday. So far this term, he has issued a total of 99 yellow cards and four reds, with just two of his appointments this year involving the Magpies - the home defeat to Leeds United and the away loss at Brighton.

Gary Beswick and Lee Betts will assist Taylor at Turf Moor, while Paul Tierney will be the fourth official.

Stuart Attwell will be the VAR for the game against Sean Dyche’s men, assisted by Nick Hopton.