Rooney pleased with United return

Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney has revealed his delight at returning to action following a month out through injury.

The England forward had been sidelined after sustaining a badly gashed leg in a Premier League victory over Fulham in August but played 76 minutes for Sir Alex Ferguson’s side in Wednesday’s League Cup victory over Newcastle.

Goals from Anderson and Tom Cleverley ensured the Red Devils eased through to the fourth round of the competition, where they will face Chelsea, and Rooney says he is relishing the prospect of more playing time at Old Trafford.

He told Sky Sports: “Of course it was good to be back. It has been four weeks since I last played and I was delighted to be back out on the pitch playing.

“It was a good run-out so I’m delighted and hopefully there are a lot more games to come.

“I feel good. It was my first game back after a few weeks and it was great to get the minutes under my belt and hopefully that will benefit me.

“It’s great team spirit at this place and we’re in a good place at the moment. Hopefully we can kick on after the good games we’ve had over the last few weeks.”

Rooney later revealed the reason behind him wearing a black armband during the victory over Alan Pardew’s side and also praised the performance of the younger players involved in the third round clash.

He Tweeted: “Great to get back playing again great win and good solid performance from the young Lads aswell.

“For everyone asking I wore black armband for my friend ste who sadly passed away last week. It was his funeral today. R.I.p. Ste.”