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:
9. 18th - Jacob Murphy - 817 minutes
Murphy has been utilized up and down the right-hand side whilst being in-and-out of Bruce's starting XI. Photo: RICHARD SELLERS
10. 17th - Javier Manquillo - 820 minutes
The Spaniard has endured a stop-start campaign, limiting him to 12 Premier League appearances in total. Photo: Stu Forster
11. 16th - Sean Longstaff - 835 minutes
Longstaff had previously missed the previous 10 games in the Premier League before playing the final quarter of an hour at Brighton last time out. Photo: RUI VIEIRA
12. 15th - Emil Krafth - 868 minutes
Following DeAndre Yedlin's departure and an injury to Manquillo, Krath had previously started the last six games before missing the Brighton defeat. Photo: Alex Pantling