Steve Bruce stood on the touchline for the first-time as Toon boss as two second-half penalties from Paul Gallagher cancelled out Jonjo Shelvey’s 40th minute free-kick. Bruce used the game to give virtually his full squad minutes, with only two players staying on the field from the side that started the first-half:
1. Fabian Schar - 6 (played first-half)
His passing went a little awry. But looks every bit at home in the three at the back... 6 | Getty Images Photo: Stu Forster
2. Paul Dummet - 7 (played first-half)
One or two crunching challenges from the defender... 7 | Getty Images Photo: Lintao Zhang
3. Isaac Hayden - 7 (played first-half)
Another tireless performance from the midfielder, who looks set to play a crucial role for United this season under Bruce... 7 | Getty Images Photo: Mark Runnacles
4. Jonjo Shelvey - 7 (played first-half)
Pulled the strings but was given the time and space to do so by Preston... 7 | Getty Images Photo: Jan Kruger