'No-one wanted him' - Sky Sports pundit delivers stunning 'walk away' message to Newcastle boss Bruce

The 60-year-old has come under intense scrutiny at times this season, and his side are currently just one place above the relegation zone.

Fulham’s 1-0 win over bottom club Sheffield United on Saturday night cut the gap between the Magpies’ and Scott Parker's men to just three points, and reports in recent days have linked the Toon Army with a sensational move to bring Rafa Benitez back to Tyneside.

While it is understood that there is no substance to those rumours, and that Bruce retains the faith of owner Mike Ashley, Sherwood is still of the opinion that the best thing the manager can do is to keep the club in the Premier League and then look for a new challenge elsewhere.

Speaking on Sky Sports’ Soccer Saturday, the pundit said: “Steve can’t worry because he can't win anyway.

"I think Steve Bruce realises that now. Even if he keeps them up in the division, he’s not going to get any credit for this.

"The way he’s playing, it can only end in tears, and the only way Newcastle fans are going to get what they want is when Mike Ashley decides that he’s had enough of the club and he’s got somebody to come and offer him the right money to sell it. That’s the only way they’re going to progress.

"If the Rafa Benitez rumours are true, would he come in? Does he think he’s got an opportunity? He would get the credit for keeping them in the league.

“But I still think Steve Bruce keeps them in the league, I really do. I think he gets enough points, I think he’s experienced enough. He’s managed that many football matches in the Premier League that he’s got the experience to keep them in the league.

“No-one wanted him in there in the first place, and I think he realised that. He’s going to have to swim the Channel backwards to get any sort of credit.

"He’s just got to keep them in the league, do the job.

"The objective of Mike Ashley is to keep them in the league. He doesn’t care if anyone does anything other than that. Yeah, it would be nice if they won a Carabao Cup or an FA Cup, but he wants someone to keep them in the league.

"From Bruce’s point of view, I think he’s just got to walk away. He’s got to try and keep them in the league and then his reputation is intact and he can go and get another job somewhere else.”

Newcastle will get the opportunity to respond to Fulham’s win over Sheffield United when they to face Manchester United on Sunday evening.

The Toon Army have only won one of their previous five meetings with the Reds, and were beaten 4-1 when they last visited Old Trafford on Boxing Day in 2019.

Their most recent victory over United came earlier that year, with Matty Longstaff scoring a winner on his debut at St. James’ Park.