Manchester United skipper Darren Fletcher felt Wayne Rooney was the biggest influence in their victory over Capital One Cup opponents Newcastle United.

Fletcher also lavished praise on rookie defenders Michael Keane and Scott Wootton.

"Wayne was slotting in behind the strikers and enjoying it," the Scot told MUTV. "He was getting on the ball, pinging it wide left and right and using his experience. He's a fantastic player with great imagination and enthusiasm and it's great for United to have a lot of players competing for places.

"The two centre-backs were talking to me the whole game and for two young centre halves 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 come 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."