Manchester United captain Wayne Rooney featured for an hour in the U21's 1-0 win over Middlesbrough.

The skipper has been absent since the first team played Sunderland in February and his return could hand Louis van Gaal a much-needed boost in the race for a Champions League spot and bid to reach the FA Cup semi-finals.

Rooney played up front on his own and, despite constantly looking to run off the last man, he had very few chances of note. Most of his touches came in the build-up to create openings for James Weir and Joe Rothwell, which were not converted.

The England striker's best opportunity came when United were awarded a free-kick on the edge of the area but he could only place the ball high and wide into the Stretford End. After delivering numerous drilled crossfield passes, he entertained the appreciative crowd and was withdrawn in front of Louis van Gaal in the 61st minute to a warm ovation.

Phil Jones played the full 90 minutes as he continued his own bid to regain full fitness.