Wayne Rooney and Darren Fletcher expressed their happiness after making a winning return for Manchester United in their League victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford.

Anderson and Tom Cleverley scored for the goals for the home team in a 2-1 result, with Fletcher captaining the side and Rooney getting a starting berth.

"It's just over four weeks now since I last played and I'm delighted to have the time on the pitch," Rooney told Sky Sports.

"It's always difficult, your first game back after a few weeks out, but it's great for me to get the minutes under my belt and hopefully that will benefit me.

"It was a good run out for me and I'm obviously delighted. Hopefully there's a lot more games to come."

Fletcher could not hide his delight at being given the captain's armband on his first start in this calendar year for United. "It's my first time as captain of Manchester United," he told the club's official website. "It's a fantastic moment, something you dream about.

"Obviously, having done it for my country means a lot but to do it for United as well (is incredible). However, the most important thing, despite all these things like me coming back and being captain, was for us to win the game.

"I thought we played very well. We had a diamond formation in midfield and passed the ball well, creating some good chances. We were unfortunate not to go in a couple of goals ahead at halftime and, when we went 2-0 up, we conceded a goal and it was a little bit difficult towards the end.

"They had a lot of high balls in the box but we defended it reasonably well, have seen it out and got a victory."

Fletcher reserved special praise for United youngsters Michael Keane and Scott Wootton.

"The two center-backs were talking to me the whole game and for two youngsters playing against good strikers they were fantastic and it was a fine performance for them. I think it was a good team performance.

"It's brilliant (to see the kids coming through). It's what this club is all about. You're prepared for that at a young age and to finally make your debut at Old Trafford, all of them performed fantastically and showed they're capable and they're ready. It bodes well for the future.

"It's obviously great to be back. But the most important thing was winning the match."