NEWPORT, WALES - SEPTEMBER 30: Joelinton of Newcastle United reacts to having his penalty saved after taking his sides second penalty during the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Newport County and Newcastle United at Rodney Parade on September 30, 2020 in Newport, Wales. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nick Potts - Pool/Getty Images)NEWPORT, WALES - SEPTEMBER 30: Joelinton of Newcastle United reacts to having his penalty saved after taking his sides second penalty during the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Newport County and Newcastle United at Rodney Parade on September 30, 2020 in Newport, Wales. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nick Potts - Pool/Getty Images)
NEWPORT, WALES - SEPTEMBER 30: Joelinton of Newcastle United reacts to having his penalty saved after taking his sides second penalty during the penalty shoot out during the Carabao Cup fourth round match between Newport County and Newcastle United at Rodney Parade on September 30, 2020 in Newport, Wales. Football Stadiums around United Kingdom remain empty due to the Coronavirus Pandemic as Government social distancing laws prohibit fans inside venues resulting in fixtures being played behind closed doors. (Photo by Nick Potts - Pool/Getty Images)

Liam Kennedy's Newcastle United starting XI v Manchester United – with one SHOCK omission

As expected, it was a very quiet end to the domestic summer transfer window for Newcastle United.

Departures were always more likely than incomings at St James’s Park – but Steve Bruce went with what he already has on his books, rather than dip into the market for lower league recruits.

With the window now closed, what constitutes Newcastle United’s strongest starting XI this season? Our writer Liam Kennedy takes injuries, illness and suspensions out the equation to name what he believes is Bruce and United’s best side for the Premier League.