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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.
