Newcastle United news: Pundit claims Steve Bruce is BETTER than Rafa Benitez plus youngster's loan absence explained

Steve Bruce does not get the credit he deserves at Newcastle United because he is not Rafa Benitez – that’s the view of pundit Jamie Redknapp.
NANJING, CHINA - JULY 17:  Elias Sorensen #47 of Newcastle United controls the ball during the Premier League Asia Trophy 2019 fixture between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on July 17, 2019 in Nanjing, China.(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images for Premier League)NANJING, CHINA - JULY 17:  Elias Sorensen #47 of Newcastle United controls the ball during the Premier League Asia Trophy 2019 fixture between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on July 17, 2019 in Nanjing, China.(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images for Premier League)
NANJING, CHINA - JULY 17: Elias Sorensen #47 of Newcastle United controls the ball during the Premier League Asia Trophy 2019 fixture between Newcastle United and Wolverhampton Wanderers at Nanjing Olympic Sports Centre on July 17, 2019 in Nanjing, China.(Photo by Fred Lee/Getty Images for Premier League)

The former Liverpool and England midfielder believes the 2-2 home draw with Man City on Saturday would have been heralded as a ‘Benitez masterclass’ had the Spaniard managed to claim the same result while on Tyneside.

But Redknapp believes United got a point in a better fashion than they would have under Dalian Yifang boss Benitez.

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“It is time to give Steve Bruce the credit he deserves," said Redknapp to the Daily Mail.

“After 14 games, Newcastle have 16 points. At the same stage under Rafa Benitez last season, they had 12. Bruce’s side have not lost at St James’ Park since the opening day.

“They beat Manchester United there in October, and Saturday’s 2-2 draw with Manchester City felt just as good for those fans. They enjoyed this because Newcastle earned that point in style.

“They had a go against one of the best teams in the world. Yes they only had 23.6 per cent possession but whenever they had the ball, they looked forwards.

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“This was a performance of positivity. Under Benitez, they’d approach these games in more of a negative manner. They’d sit deep. But Bruce wanted to test City.

“This would have been billed as a Benitez masterclass 12 months ago, so let’s give Bruce credit.”

Meanwhile, things have gone from bad to worse for Elias Sorensen at Carlisle United.

Boss Chris Beech binned the frontman from their matchday squad for their FA Cup draw at Forest Green.

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Explaining his decision, Beech said: “Elias Sorensen and Christie Elliott missed out as well.

“There was no real reason other than if we were at home I probably would have tended to have a third striker on the bench. Down here I knew we were going to be put under pressure, and I’m glad we did have the extra defender.”

And finally, United are keeping a keen eye on Sorensen’s Carlisle teammate Jarrad Branthwaite.