Steve Bruce has told the press that club legend Alan Shearer has the right to his opinion every match, and avoided hitting back at the manager after making some damming comments about some of United’s new signings.
Following the club’s 0-0 draw with Norwich City on the weekend, the club’s all-time record top scorer criticised Miguel Almiron, Saint-Maximin and Joelinton while on Match of the Day.
He said (via the Shields Gazette): “Almiron works hard, never lacks effort, but not enough quality at times.
“Saint-Maximin shows flashes of brilliance, but doesn’t show it enough, and looks lazy at times also.
“Joelinton has no confidence whatsoever, and basically never looks like scoring. Fans are entitled to ask and demand more of those three for £80million.”
If Shearer was saying those words a means of motivation, then it certainly worked. All three put in some top performances last night: Almiron played the ball in for Joelinton to set up the first and won the ball back for the second; Joelinton’s assist for the first was brilliant, as was his finish for the second and Allan Saint-Maximin looked a serious threat for the whole time he was playing and scored a worldy in what was the winner on the evening.
Should more be expected of these three?
More needed from all
More needed from Joelinton
More needed from Almiron
More needed from Saint-Maximin
The Match of the Day pundit was there to witness those three performances and even rounded it off with comments praising French winger Allan Saint-Maximin, saying (via the Sheilds Gazette): “That’s fantastic from Saint-Maximin. The way he moves it past the defenders – you know he wants to come onto his right foot. Has he got the ability to finish it off? Yes.”
Following the game, Steve Bruce was quizzed on the questions made by Shearer on Saturday after the Norwich game. The Newcastle boss replied in typical fashion – being pretty respectful and positive.
He said: “I’ve known Alan for a long time, and class him as a friend now.
“However, he has to say what he sees, and that’s never going to change with Alan. He was here, and that was good for the supporters.”
In fairness to Bruce, no matter what fans have to say about him, he has remained positive throughout his tenure at the club and comes across very well. He might well be very realistic in his expectations – which is reflected within his comments – and seems to always back his players, even when times are particularly rough.
The club have now got a nice rest before they face Arsenal in the weekend after next. This will no doubt be a good opportunity for players to get back to fitness and recharge their batteries.