The Wigan-born official, who turned 40 on Christmas Day, has been confirmed as the man who will take charge of this weekend’s contest at Old Trafford, as the Magpies look to respond following Monday night’s setback at Chelsea.

Tierney is now in his seventh season of officiating in the top flight, having worked his way up through the lower leagues prior to making a first outing in the middle of a Premier League fixture back in August 2014.

He had previously been named among the National Group of Referees in 2009, a year after being an assistant referee during the Magpies’ league defeat to Hull City at St. James’ Park.

Tierney has also taken charge of a Championship play-off final at Wembley  Aston Villa’s win over Derby County in 2019 and a handful of significant fixtures lower down the pyramid, though in the last few years he has become an established Premier League official, having been named on FIFA’s list of referees in January 2018.

He has only overseen one United game so far this term, the 0-0 draw with Liverpool in December – but 17 in total throughout the campaign, with 15 coming in the top flight and the other two in the FA Cup and Carabao Cup.

Tierney has issued a total of 59 yellows and three reds so far in 2020/21, the same number of reds he showed in 34 games in all competitions last season.

Lee Betts and Neil Davies will assist him at Old Trafford this weekend, with Lee Mason the fourth official.

Stuart Attwell will be the VAR, assisted by Adrian Holmes.