Alan Pardew predicts "fired up" Manchester United

Newcastle United boss Alan Pardew has said that he is expecting to face a "fired up" Manchester United when the sides clash in the Premier League tonight.

The match will mark the return of Wayne Rooney, who was overlooked for United's 3-2 loss to Blackburn on the weekend as a result of a breach of discipline.

"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," Pardew said.

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

"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."

Newcastle are seventh in the league, 15 points off second-placed Manchester United.