Route One's Daily Football News Round-Up - 27/9/2012

We find the latest football news stories making the headlines, so you don’t have to.

Picture courtesy of Sporting Life

The returning Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher provided the spark for Manchester United in their 2-1 Capital One Cup victory over Newcastle United.

Manager Sir Alex Ferguson was full of praise for the duo, who have been suffering with injury and illness. This was Fletcher’s first start in nearly a year after he was struck down with a bowel condition, whilst Rooney hasn’t featured since August.

"Darren Fletcher has had a great 90 minutes,” he said. “Wayne Rooney had a terrific performance, he tired understandably, but I'm really pleased.”

In the fourth round of the cup, Chelsea will host United in the pick of the ties, while elsewhere Swindon welcome Aston Villa, and Bradford travel to Wigan. Meanwhile, Brendan Rodgers faces his former club Swansea for the first time. The rest of the draw is:

Leeds v Southampton

Reading v Arsenal

Norwich v Tottenham

Sunderland v Middlesborough

There’s good news for Gooners fans today with the revelation that Jack Wilshere will make his return to action in Monday’s Under-21 game at WBA.

The 20-year-old has been out with an ankle injury since July 2011, and his return will further bolster Arsenal’s midfield armoury.

"It is fantastic for him," Arsene Wenger said. "When you are out for so long, it's massive to take. It's massive for him to come back, and for us as well."

The takeover bid at Leeds United looks to have gathered pace, as Middle-Eastern investment firm Gulf Finance House have confirmed they have an agreement in principle in place.

The future of the club has been shrouded in mystery since current owner Ken Bates stated he was selling his share back in the Summer.

Bates’ seven-year reign has been marred with supporter unrest and upheaval.

Meanwhile, geriatric former England goalkeeper David James is training with League One Bournemouth.

The 42-year-old has been a free agent since leaving Bristol City in the summer. 

A couple of managerial appointments now: Colchester have announced Joe Dunne as their new man, while Bury have employed Kevin Blackwell as their head honcho.

The 39-year-old Dunne was former manager John Ward’s assistant, and has been at the club for over a decade. He has signed a one year rolling contract.

Blackwell has been out of a job since leaving Sheffield United in 2010. He had a spell as goalkeeping coach and assistant manager at the Shakers under Neil Warnock’s tenureship.