Manchester United expert Dan Coombs understands Newcastle fans’ concerns about Steve Bruce, but admits he’ll always be held in high regard by the Red Devils.
The Magpies take on Manchester United this weekend, with the spotlight firmly on the return of Cristiano Ronaldo.
But with or without the five-time Ballon d’Or winner, there is huge pressure on Bruce.
Newcastle have had a rotten start to the season, picking up just one point and crashing out of the Carabao Cup. On top of that, we had a disastrous transfer window with Joe Willock the only arrival.
Bruce is under huge scrutiny right now, with fans turning against him during our previous game versus Southampton.
Since then, the manager has been on holiday to Portugal, while the club released a ridiculous statement defending their business this summer.
Bruce needs a result this weekend, but he might struggle to get it. The Magpies travel to Old Trafford – a place they haven’t won at since 2013.
Ahead of the game, we spoke to Dan Coombs, who writes for Manchester United fan site United In Focus.
Manchester United expert has sympathy for Bruce
“Bruce will always be fondly remembered at [Manchester] United,” he said.
“Unlike some other players who have gone into management and been quite spiky about us in the media like Mark Hughes, Bruce has always been pretty positive, so the fondness has endured.
“He also doesn’t usually win or take points off us very often, which probably says what you need to know about his credentials given the length of his career.”
While he is still held in a high regard in Manchester, Coombs appreciates that Bruce doesn’t have the same legacy as a manager.
“He’s very much a journeyman of the managerial world, and I understand the complaints about his negative approach.
“With that said, when Bruce took over I expected Newcastle to be relegated or battling the drop, and he has done a decent job of keeping you away from that.
“He obviously hasn’t been helped by the lack of investment.
“The way this season has started though, it could end up being the year his luck runs out.”
I think a lot of fans felt the same about Bruce when he was appointed. But he has delivered survival on two occasions.
However, that’s not enough for Toon fans. Just surviving is not ambition.
Fans need a reason to follow the team other than blind loyalty. At the minute, that’s why a lot of supporters still tune in.
The style of football is awful, while results now match the performances. Could this be the year that Bruce’s luck runs out?
Receive a digest of our best Newcastle content each week direct to your mailbox
