Injuries in the defence, in particular, has forced the 59-year-old into making changes during the top-flight season, where the Magpies sit 12th in the table after 25 games.
Here, using data experts Wyscout, we’ve details Bruce’s favoured starting XI based on minutes played this season. Scroll and click through the pages to see who makes it:
5. Federico Fernandez - 1463 minutes
Fernandez was brought in from the cold at the beginning of the season but has gone on to play the most amount of minutes under Bruce in the United backline. Photo: Nigel Roddis
6. Jetro Willems - 1463 minutes
Willems has, of course, returned to Frankfurt after his campaign was devastatingly cut short due to a season-ending injury. Photo: Mark Runnacles
7. Jonjo Shelvey - 1163 minutes
Even with competition from the two Longstaff brothers, Shelvey has completed more minutes than close rival Sean with 1107. Photo: LINDSEY PARNABY
8. Isaac Hayden - 1754 minutes
Likewise with Hayden, the midfielder has stayed relatively injury-free this season with his only absence coming through his straight red card at Leicester City. Photo: Alex Livesey