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:
25. 2nd - Isaac Hayden - 1945 minutes
Having featured 24 times in the Premier League, Hayden won't play again this season after picking up a significant knee injury. Photo: Stu Forster
26. 1st - Karl Darlow - 2250 minutes
Darlow had played every minute of United's Premier League season but has sat out of the previous four games following Martin Dubravka's return. Photo: Gareth Copley