The young Magpies, who rounded off their league campaign with a 1-0 win at Middlesbrough on Sunday, finished in fourth place – the third play-off spot.

The third-placed Royals, meanwhile, were beaten 2-1 at Stoke City on Friday, but Southampton’s 5-1 win over Sunderland on Monday night meant Saints leapfrogged Reading into second place.

Premier League 2 Division Two’s competition format dictates that the third-placed team will host the fourth-placed outfit, while second welcomes fifth in the other tie – meaning United will travel to face the Royals at the Madejski Stadium, and Southampton will play Aston Villa at St. Mary’s.

Both semi-finals must be decided on the night, and will go to extra time and penalties if the scores are still level after 90 minutes.

Ben Dawson’s youngsters reached the play-off final in 2017, but were beaten by Aston Villa at St. James’ Park.

This term, as well as booking their place in the play-offs, United have reached the Premier League Cup final and will learn their opponents on Saturday, when Swansea City take on Everton in the other semi-final.

Further details, including a confirmed date for that last-four clash at the Madejski, will be announced in due course.