Steve Bruce was critical of the team’s attitude and application in Norfolk.
Asked how he was feeling after the Norwich defeat, Bruce said: “I can't go on to the pitch with them. The one thing in management I've always tried to instil into my team is we make mistakes, but I can't forgive a performance where, basically, you don't put your boots on.”
If he didn’t realise how big the United job was when he walked through the door, it’s scale is definitely evident now.
Here’s 13 problems facing the head coach as he bids to turn the tide at St James’s Park.
5. If Joelinton is not fit, then who comes in?
After a bright show against Arsenal, Joelinton really struggled at Norwich. Had he scored with that header, things might have been different. Too early to judge him yet, but we might not see him again for a while due to the hip problem he picked up. | Getty Images Photo: Stu Forster
6. Has Newcastle ever been less United?
Fans are turning on fans, and if performances like Saturday continue that anger will soon be directed at the head coach and his players. Put simply, it was nowhere near good enough. This MUST change. This isn't a tough crowd, as some would have you believe, but they do know football when they see it. | Getty Images Photo: Marc Atkins
7. Allan Saint-Maximin return
We're not even sure if he's any good, but Newcastle do need their £16m man back in contention. Their bench looked totally devoid of options at the weekend, a bit like the starting XI. | Getty Images Photo: Ian MacNicol
8. Another slow start from Fabian Schar
At Nottingham Forest in the League Cup last season Daryl Murphy made Fabian Schar look like a Sunday league defender. As he adapted to the English game he looked a world-beater. Hopefully his slow start this time around will have the same outcome. | Getty Images Photo: Marc Atkins