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:
9. CM: Miguel Almiron
A central midfield role isn’t Almiron’s best position by any stretch but his workrate and energy is something Bruce is reluctant to start without. It’s ultimately what keeps the Paraguayan in the starting XI. Photo: Ian MacNicol
10. ST: Allan Saint-Maximin
The Frenchman is United’s most influential player - and that includes Callum Wilson. Without Saint-Maximin, Bruce’s side lack that creative spark and someone who can make something happen out of nothing. Photo: George Wood
11. ST: Callum Wilson
There isn’t a more natural goalscorer in the Newcastle ranks than Wilson. Any injury to the 29-year-old and you fear the worst with only Dwight Gayle and Joelinton as back ups. Photo: George Wood