Rooney close to return

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney is close to returning to action and could feature against Newcastle on Wednesday, The Daily Mail claim.

The England international forward has been on the sidelines since the game at Old Trafford against Fulham, as the forward cut his leg in a challenge with Hugo Rodallega.

The Red Devils have been playing Robin van Persie and Shinji Kagawa in attack in Rooney’s absence, but Rooney’s rehabilitation has gone better than expected as he is close to being fit to play once more.

Rooney has been in training with the United first-team over the last week and could well be part of the matchday squad against Newcastle in the Capital One Cup on Wednesday night.

It is likely that Rooney could well be on the bench, and the player will need a protective cover to shield the gash on his right leg.

By Gareth McKnight