Taylor set to referee Magpies' Leeds clash

The Wythenshawe whistler has been confirmed as the man who will take charge of the game between the Magpies and the newly-promoted side, with Steve Bruce’s side seeking the win which would be their first since the turn of the year.

Taylor is one of the top flight’s most experienced officials, having been promoted to the Select Group in 2010 and then FIFA’s list of international referees three years later.

At the age of 42, Taylor - who began refereeing in the Northern Premier League almost two decades ago - has two FA Cup finals under his belt, as well as a League Cup final, a Community Shield final and a UEFA Super Cup final.

He was most recently the man in the middle of Chorley’s FA Cup defeat to Wolves at the weekend, though aside from that and the Super Cup showdown between Bayern Munich and Sevilla, Taylor has only refereed in the Premier League and Champions League so far this term.

In 19 games in 2020/21, Taylor has issued 67 yellow cards and four reds. United’s game against Marcelo Bielsa’s men will be his first appointment involving Newcastle this season, though he did oversee two Magpies matches last term - the 3-2 FA Cup win at West Bromwich Albion and the 3-1 final-day defeat to Liverpool.

Gary Beswick and James Mainwaring will assist Taylor on Tuesday, with Peter Bankes named as the fourth official.

Jared Gillett will be the VAR for the game, and he will be assisted by Constantine Hatzidakis.