Rooney poked home from close range under the lights at St. James’ Park to give the Toffees all three points against the Magpies, who were reduced to ten men with seconds remaining as Jonjo Shelvey was show a second yellow card.

But the result was harsh on Rafa Benítez’s side, who struck the woodwork twice through Matt Ritchie and Mikel Merino in a spirited but ultimately unrewarded display.

The hosts, led out by returning skipper Jamaal Lascelles, displayed the most attacking intent in the opening quarter of an hour. DeAndre Yedlin was tripped by Cuco Martina on his way into the box, and Ritchie’s deflected free kick flashed past the post.

Ritchie forced former Sunderland goalkeeper Jordan Pickford into a first save of the night with a well-hit low shot, before the Scotland international went even closer midway through the half, rattling the upright with a venomous effort that had Pickford beaten.

But just moments later, the Toffees stole the lead against the run of play. Dominic Calvert-Lewin’s cross was met by Aaron Lennon, whose header was saved by Karl Darlow. The United stopper couldn’t hold it, though, and Rooney pounced, sliding in to give Sam Allardyce’s side an advantage their play scarcely deserved.

The Magpies responded, and almost found a leveller in style. Mikel Merino picked up the ball 25 yards out and took aim, and Pickford again could do nothing as the ball flew past his outstretched arm. Unfortunately for United, the Spaniard’s strike cannoned off the post and flew behind, and the visitors survived.

Dwight Gayle shot straight at Pickford just before the break, and almost connected with a Shelvey centre just after the restart as Benítez’s side came out fighting, with Mohamed Diamé going agonisingly close to applying a finishing touch to Florian Lejeune’s knock-down.

Merino saw a low shot saved as Joselu was introduced from the bench, and in a rare foray forward the Toffees squandered a chance to make it two, with Gylfi Sigurdsson slipping as he sent one into the Gallowgate End. Ashley Williams had another opportunity seconds later, forcing a fine save from Darlow as he glanced goalwards.

But it wasn’t to be for Newcastle, who couldn’t find an equaliser despite their late endeavours, and their misery was compounded by the late dismissal of Shelvey, who was shown a second yellow card for his challenge on Idrissa Gueye in stoppage time.