With the opening game against West Ham just around the corner, Steve Bruce will now turn his attention to selecting a team he believes will get the Magpies off to a winning start.
Here’s how United will line up against the Hammers at St James’s Park on Sunday – based on how many minutes each player played in pre-season.
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9. CM: Jeff Hendrick - 326 minutes played
The final man to make up the trio in midfield could be Jeff Hendrick who also featured in all of United’s pre-season games. Despite a foray up-front, it’s clear that Bruce sees the former Burnley man as an option in the centre of midfield but much like Longstaff, he’ll have to impress if he wants to keep his spot in the starting 11. Photo: Michael Regan
10. ST: Ryan Fraser - 326 minutes played
Like Lewis, Ryan Fraser’s first season on Tyneside was a disappointment as injuries kept him out of the team for long periods but with a solid pre-season behind him, could 2021/22 be Fraser’s season to impress? Photo: Michael Regan
11. ST: Dwight Gayle - 265 minutes played
Wilson’s injury problems have given another opportunity for Dwight Gayle to impress his manager. Gayle’s brace against Norwich indicates he may be getting back to his clinical best and there’s no doubting that he will be required to deputise for Wilson at some point this season. Photo: Michael Regan