Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew expects to face a strong Manchester United line-up tonight.

Rooney returns to the starting line-up for Manchester United after being axed for their weekend defeat to Blackburn following a breach of club discipline.

Newcastle boss Pards said: "I'm well informed they will have a few back for this game and I'm not surprised because Alex Ferguson knows it is a tough game coming to Newcastle.

"He knows that from history so will put out his best possible side.

"I know 100 per cent Rooney will play and think Rio Ferdinand and Chris Smalling will play too so, suddenly, their side looks a lot more balanced.

"Ryan Giggs might be involved as well because he sat in

"United are on the back of a disappointing result. I fancy they will be as fired up for it as we are after getting beaten by Liverpool. It will be a good game."