Rooney returns for United

Wayne Rooney will return from suspension to spearhead Manchester United’s attack as the Premier League leaders look to atone for their FA Cup disappointment by beating Newcastle at St James’ Park.

Rooney is available after a two-match ban and is expected to replace Dimitar Berbatov.

Paul Scholes misses out following his red card at Wembley but fellow veteran Ryan Giggs is expected to return, whilst Jonny Evans returns from his own ban.

Team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Rafael, O’Shea, Brown, Ferdinand, Smalling, Vidic, Evans, Evra, Fabio, Valencia, Gibson, Anderson, Park, Carrick, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov, Hernandez, Owen.