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Bruce’s negative tactics cost Newcastle in a loss vs. Man Utd

By Carson A Merk

Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by Owen Humphreys - Pool/Getty Images)
Steve Bruce, Manager of Newcastle United. (Photo by Owen Humphreys - Pool/Getty Images) /
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Newcastle United got blown away late in a loss vs. Manchester United.

Returning from action after the international break, Newcastle United suffered a 4-1 defeat vs. Manchester United after leading 1-0 in the opening minutes. An own goal put the Magpies up before Man Utd got unanswered goals from Harry Maguire, Bruno Fernandes, Aaron Wan-Bissaka, and Marcus Rashford.

Bruce’s Bad Decisions

Steve Bruce stuck with almost the exact same lineup as NUFC’s win vs. Burnley, only swapping Jamaal Lascelles in for Fabian Schar. While that lineup is already not the club’s best, Bruce had his side sitting too far back after going up early.

NBC Sports analyst Robbie Mustoe described it as a boxer landing a big shot on his opponent and rocking them, but then sitting back and allowing them to recover.

With his club sitting back and looking like the second-best side, he subbed Fabian Schar on for an injured Isaac Hayden rather than adding an attacking presence like Miguel Almiron or Ryan Fraser. It was just a continuation of his negative tactics not allowing Newcastle to reach its attacking potential.

Injury Concerns

Hayden had to be subbed off and Karl Darlow was struggling mightily with what appeared to be a groin injury. Was the Darlow injury to blame for allowing three goals late in the match? Maybe on the fourth goal from Rashford, but the others were likely not getting stopped either way.

While there is depth behind Hayden, the goalkeeping position doesn’t have that luxury. If Darlow can’t go next week, Mark Gillespie will be called upon to step up between the sticks and make his Premier League debut.

Quick Kicks

  • Despite Man Utd scoring four times, Darlow was quality in goal today. He made some big stops, especially on the penalty by Bruno Fernandes.
  • Almiron and Fraser did come on late, but it was too late to make the needed impact.
  • Callum Wilson had a great chance in the second half but David de Gea was able to use one hand to knock it away at close range.

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What’s Next?

Newcastle United will look to bounce back against Wolves next Sunday. Nuno Espírito Santo’s side will face Leeds United on Monday.