There was hope Steve Bruce could seal a late loan move before the 11pm deadline with Leicester City’s Hamza Choudhury discussed.
However, talks with The Foxes swiftly broke down, meaning just one senior player in the form of Joe Willock from Arsenal arrived to bolster Bruce’s squad.
Willock impressed on loan last season, which technically means United have no new faces in their ranks.
The mood around Tyneside is flat, especially given Newcastle are yet to claim three points from their opening Premier League games. They’ve also exited the Carabao Cup at the first hurdle to Burnley on penalties.
Will Bruce steady the ship and keep the club in the Premier League? Here’s where data experts FiveThirtyEight are tipping them to finish:
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17. Newcastle United - 38 points
A totally underwhelming finish but given the way the season has played out under Steve Bruce, Newcastle fans would take this with both hands. Current points tally: 32. Photo: OWEN HUMPHREYS
18. Fulham - 33 points
Scott Parker’s side have provided a glimmer of hope that they can stay in the Premier League but ultimately, they’re being tipped to fall short. Current points tally: 26. Photo: JUSTIN SETTERFIELD
19. West Bromwich Albion - 30 points
Back-to-back wins for West Brom have provided renewed optimism around the Hawthorns but it’s too little, too late, apparently. Current points tally: 24. Photo: CATHERINE IVILL
20. Sheffield United - 21 points
No surprises here, apart from the Blades are predicted to pick up seven points between now and the end of the season as they prepare for life in the Championship. Current points tally: 14. Photo: Pool