Steve Bruce’s side recruited just one player during the three-month window with Joe Willock arriving permanently from Arsenal for £25million.
But on paper, the Magpies’ starting XI from last season remains untouched given Willock was previously on loan.
Overall, the exits of Andy Carroll, Florian Lejeune, Yoshinori Muto, Christian Atsu and Matty Longstaff have made the squad significantly smaller.
Bruce and his squad are now tasked with keeping Newcastle in the Premier League once more – and supporters are fearing the worst.
The United head coach will need to make do with what he’s got and find a way of turning around their winless start to the 2021/22 season.
Here, our writer Jordan Cronin picks the strongest possible starting XI available to Bruce – when everybody is fit and firing:
5. CB: Paul Dummett
Dummett made the left centre-back role his own last season. He’s very underrated on Tyneside and has been a big miss in the opening stages of the season, which has been detrimental to Matt Ritchie as a left wing-back. Photo: Charlotte Tattersall
6. LWB: Matt Ritchie
Ritchie will benefit from Dummett’s return as he provides valuable cover for the 31-year-old to get forward. As well as his crossing ability, his all-round leadership on the pitch is key. Photo: Michael Regan
7. CM: Jonjo Shelvey
Shelvey rightly has his critics but he’s one of the first names on the teamsheet for Bruce. With this system, United need to play with width and the former Swansea man can be key to making that happen. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
8. CM: Joe Willock
His importance to the side was reflected in Bruce making the 22-year-old his top transfer target. Willock might not hit the goalscoring heights of last season but his box-to-box attributes are hugely important Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY