Mike Ashley makes £36m bet that Newcastle United will stay up

Mike Ashley’s decision to stick with Steve Bruce despite Newcastle United being embarrassed 3-0 by relegation rivals Brighton is shocking. Fans are speechless, pundits are surprised, and a recent report claims that some players are upset by that stance.

The Magpies had some golden opportunities against Wolves, West Brom, Aston Villa, and Brighton to claim a few victories and seal their fate, but they only took three points from those clashes. Newcastle United still have a game in hand over Fulham, but the schedule will only become more difficult now.

Fans were hoping to see a new manager like Eddie Howe or Chris Wilder come in after the club’s latest defeat, but it has become clear that Ashley is rewarding Bruce’s lack of financial complaints with extra time on the job. It is also safe to say that Newcastle United’s owner is making a risky £36m bet on the club’s survival.

One reason why Newcastle United have struggled over the last few weeks is due to injuries, especially to key players. That being said, Ashley apparently has a lot of faith in the impact Callum Wilson and Allan Saint-Maximin can have over the next few weeks.

Mike Ashley is taking a huge gamble by keeping Steve Bruce at Newcastle United.

Ashley spent £36m on the Magpies’ most influential players in the final third, and they need to be at their best in every game after the international break in order to maintain the club’s Premier League status. Wilson has found the back of the net ten times this season and has also contributed with five assists.

Saint-Maximin has not filled the stat sheet much with two goals and three assists, but he makes his presence known on the pitch more than any other player. His pace, comfort on the ball, and dynamic style of play allow Newcastle United to send more bodies forward and create more chances.

Ryan Fraser and Joelinton have been major disappointments this season, and that adds even more pressure on Wilson and Saint-Maximin to guide this team to safety.

Of the nine games remaining this season, Newcastle United are capable of defeating Burnley, Sheffield United, and Fulham – all must-win games – however, feathers need to be plucked elsewhere as well for extra assurance.

As a result, Wilson and Saint-Maximin need to have standout performances against teams like West Ham and an inconsistent Arsenal side on May 1st.

It remains to be seen what will happen over the next two or three games, but a lot of pressure rests on the shoulders of Wilson and Saint-Maximin due to Ashley’s support for Bruce.