With the international break coming to an end, all focus turns towards the Magpies and their battle to beat the drop.
Plenty has been said in the aftermath of United’s 3-0 defeat at Brighton and Hove Albion, not least the future of head coach Steve Bruce.
However, owner Mike Ashley is sticking by his man, much to the displeasure of supporters.
The challenge now for Bruce and his players is to ensure the club avoids a third relegation under Ashley.
Indeed, fate is still in their own hands with a two-point advantage and a game in-hand over 18th placed Fulham.
Ahead of the defining part of the season, we take a look at which players Bruce has called upon the most this campaign via minutes played.
The figures come from scouting experts WyScout as we rank every player from lowest to highest – which includes some surprising results:
1. 26th - Elliot Anderson - 3 minutes
Anderson's only action in the Premier League this season came in a three-minute cameo at Arsenal in January. Photo: GLYN KIRK
2. 25th - Dwight Gayle - 295 minutes
The 30-year-old has started just twice for Steve Bruce this campaign (Chelsea away, Aston Villa home) while his other nine appearances have come as a substitute. Photo: Pool
3. 24th - Martin Dubravka - 360 minutes
After missing the opening 25 games through injury mixed with the solid form of Karl Darlow, the Slovakian only return to the starting XI in late February. Photo: Stu Forster
4. 23rd - Matty Longstaff - 377 minutes
The 21-year-old played four of United's five Premier League games over Christmas - including Manchester City, Liverpool, Leicester and Arsenal - but has controversially been MIA since. Photo: Catherine Ivill