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.
9. Goals have not been replaced with goals
This was the issue we hoped wouldn't need to be revisited. United lacked goals last season, even with Ayoze Perez and Salomon Rondon - take them away and things unsurprisingly look light up top. | Getty Images Photo: Henry Browne
10. Midfield options light
Despite the return of Sean Longstaff, Newcastle still lack a Mo Diame. He was a player, with Ayoze Perez, who hassled the opposition. United have nothing of the sort in their ranks at present - only Isaac Hayden gets close. | Getty Images Photo: Octavio Passos
11. The system is NOT working
This 3-5-2 lacks any real attacking threat, has too many square pegs in round holes and looks as porous as a sponge. This HAS to change, and sharpish. Even a slight tweak to the 3-4-2-1 of last season could work. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey
12. Five 'strikers' but no options
Steve Bruce said United had five strikers he was happy with at SJP in pre-season. Only Joelinton, now injured, looks like a proper forward. Last season the next option was Joselu after Perez and Rondon, now it's unproven Yoshi Muto. | Getty Images Photo: Alex Livesey