Steve Bruce gives his verdict on Dwight Gayle's return to Newcastle United's starting XI

Gayle made his first Premier League start of the season in Newcastle United’s 2-0 Premier League defeat to Chelsea on Monday night. Bruce had recalled the striker after losing leading scorer Callum Wilson to a hamstring injury.

Gayle, 30, had a quiet game for the relegation-threatened club at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking ahead of Sunday’s game against Manchester United at Old Trafford, head coach Bruce said: “It was always going to be difficult for Dwight. We were aware it was his first game of the season. He had a knee operation at the start of the season. We knew it was going to be a difficult ask for Dwight, but he stuck at it, and got 65 minutes under his belt.

"We always know he can score a goal. He got some minutes under his belt which can only help.”

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