Liverpool host Rooney's table-topping United in one of the glamour fixtures of the Premier League in the early kick-off on Saturday and the usual fierce rivalry between the north-west neighbours will now have extra spice.
Rooney will miss the start of Euro 2012 after being dismissed for a wild kick in England's 2-2 draw in Montenegro on Friday, just after his father and uncle had been arrested and bailed over an alleged betting scam which they deny.
A 2006 World Cup red card failed to knock his blistering career off course and he has recovered from last season's dip in form and bizarre contract wrangle to rediscover his mojo with nine league goals from seven matches this term.
United manager Sir Alex Ferguson, perhaps pleased that England coach Fabio Capello has said Rooney will not start any friendlies in the build-up to Euro 2012, was not overly worried by his main forward's lack of self-control.
"He has been tackled and he has reacted," the champions' boss told a U.S. radio station.
"He has this fiery temper which, to my mind, is not the worst thing in the world. He has shown tremendous improvement in his temperament and his reactions to tackles and things over the past few years. He is improving all the time."
Newcastle United's surprisingly good start to the season which sees them in fourth place will be tested by visiting Tottenham Hotspur who are sixth after winning four games in a row having opened with defeats by the Manchester clubs.
