'He'll be at Leeds next season': Newcastle United fans react as Steve Bruce names starting XI to face Tottenham Hotspur

Emil Krafth, Nabil Bentaleb and DeAndre Yedlin replace Javier Manquillo, Jamaal Lascelles and Danny Rose – who is ineligible to face his parent club.

And it is Yedlin’s position that has raised some pre-match questions as fans discuss if he could be filling in at left-back, should Bruce decide to stick with four at the back.

Supporters also alluded to the absence of Valentino Lazaro and Matty Longstaff as both take their place on the bench.

Here is how United fans reacted to the team news on social media:

@jchaytor16: I'm happy with that, apart from Yedlin.

@JacksBoddy: Yedlin at LB what could go wrong...

@MaximxnSZN: Stop starting Schar and where’s Joe? Literally scored against Tottenham and got us the win?

@CallumGeere: Funny how before the break fans wanted Ritchie sold, after Sheff Utd wanted him to start every game & now sold again. Tbf would take him at LB today with Yedlin on the wing & Lazaro coming off the bench with Matty. Best we got with injuries #nufc

@DavidMonks1: What does Matty Longstaff have to do to get a game, Bentaleb preferred once again. Something tells me he isn't staying after this season and who can blame him.

@DanFielding1998: Just a thought but Maybe Ritchie is playing left-back and Yedlin is playing right midfield with ASM on the left.

@Jordanklink: Would have liked to have seen Lazaro get a chance from the start.

@_arrongallagher: Why isn’t Lazaro and Muto getting a chance? #NUFC

@LaidlerGarry: Aye Matty is definitely in the bad books like no matter what is said. He’ll be at Leeds next season.