Rooney back for Newcastle clash

Manchester United are set to welcome back star Wayne Rooney for their Premier League clash with Newcastle on Saturday.

The Red Devils are currently second on the Premier League table and five points behind leaders Manchester City, who defeated Alan Pardew’s side 3-1 last weekend to end the Magpies’ unbeaten run.

Rooney was revealed to be a doubt earlier this week for the match at Old Trafford after sitting out their midweek Champions League draw with Benfica on Tuesday, but manager Sir Alex Ferguson confirmed on Friday that the former Everton man is likely to start in this weekend’s game.

“I think Wayne Rooney should be okay for tomorrow, he trained yesterday so hopefully he’ll be okay,” Ferguson said.

“We’ve got [Nemanja] Vidic back after suspension, of course. [Chris] Smalling is fit again, which is also a boost, and Rafael’s back as well. So the defensive part is okay. Michael Owen’s also still injured, of course. ”

“It’s in the midfield area where we’ve still got issues, with Tom Cleverley and Anderson. So that’s two midfield players who are going to be missing for a spell now.”