While they lack consistency and strikers who can score goals, they are starting to create and have, in recent weeks, caused some of the best sides in the Premier League problems.
This success has been built using Rafa Benitez’s 2018/19 notes, with a few Bruce tweaks. It still largely relies upon a solid defensive base, three at the back and the midfield which guided United out of the Championship, but an injection of pace, and quality out wide is making all the difference.
One key statistic stands out like a sore thumb for United this season – and it’s possession.
Here’s how the Magpies rank in terms of Premier League possession percentages – and it's shockingly low. But as Bruce’s Magpies proved on Saturday against Manchester City, it’s what you do with the ball, not how much you have it, that matters.
Below is the Premier League possession percentages ranked from 1-20. Click through to find out Newcastle’s percentage.
5. Leicester City - 56.4
Brendan Rodgers has returned to English football with a bang, making his Leicester side one of the easiest on the eye in the top flight this season. | Getty Images Photo: Michael Regan
6. Tottenham Hotspur - 54.5
New era at Spurs this season with Jose Mourinho in charge. Results may not have reflected Tottenham's success this season. | Getty Images Photo: Julian Finney
7. Brighton & Hove Albion - 54
Newcastle United have witnessed first-hand how good Brighton are with the ball. They passed the Magpies off the park when the two met at St James's Park. | Getty Images Photo: Marc Atkins
8. Manchester United - 53.4
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer's men are having their worst season in a generation but they're certainly keeping plenty of ball - more than half of every game they play. | Getty Images Photo: Ash Donelon