A lot of Newcastle United fans have replied to a post from NUFC 360, which has relayed quotes made by Sean Longstaff on Steve Bruce.
Longstaff, speaking to the Epic Podcast (via the Evening Chronicle), claimed that it would be ‘unfair’ if Bruce didn’t get the chance to ‘carry on the work he has started to put into place‘ – if the Premier League approves the Toon’s proposed takeover.
The deal for Amanda Staveley’s Saudi-backed consortium to buy the Toon from Mike Ashley is currently with the Premier League after a deposit was paid to the Magpies owner.
There was a report that claimed that the deal had been approved and was ready to be announced on 1st June, but nothing has happened as yet.
Bruce claimed in an interview with Sky Sports that he would love the chance to stay on as Toon boss if the takeover was to happen, and it seems that these Newcastle fans are unhappy with Longstaff for defending their manager.
Some fans believed that because of this statement, Newcastle should get rid of Longstaff himself.
Do you agree with Longstaff's comments?
No
Yes
That’s it. Get rid.
Get coutinho in.
?
— Wor Geordie (@1ofEurons_mutes) May 30, 2020
Get rid of him aswell when the new owners come in he clearly has no ambition keep Matty though
— GeordieND (@ND46009184) May 30, 2020
However, there were a lot more Toon fans who recognised that Longstaff, who is valued at £15.75 million (as per Transfermarkt), couldn’t say anything negative in public about the current boss.
It’s not like they will slag him off and tell the media that Isaac Hayden has more tactical knowledge compared to their manager. Can’t wait until we are free from Ashley and Bruce.
— Angel? ? (@AngelNUFC) May 30, 2020
I think it would be unprofessional if any of the players said any different. It’s sad though because an average manager has slowed his development as a player
— Active Arron (@ActiveArron) May 30, 2020
He’s completely wrong, but other than “no comment”, he’s not going to say anything else.
— Aato (@elAato) May 30, 2020
All players will say this. He’s hardly going to say he can’t wait for him to be gone while he’s still the manager.
— BurstOfTheStar (@BurstOfTheStar) May 30, 2020
Longstaff broke into the Toon’s first team last season and was compared to Michael Carrick by Rafael Benitez, but an injury against West Ham United in 2019 ended his season, and the 22-year-old has not made as much of an impact this year under Bruce.
He has made 21 Premier League appearances this season, in which he has earned an average rating of 6.34 and provided one assist.
This led to some fans suggesting that Longstaff has regressed under Bruce.
Longstaff has went backwards under bruce, he needs rafa back if hes gonna progress
— Pat McCotter (@mccotter_pat) May 30, 2020
Another player toeing the party line. Bit of a coincidence that his form dropped right off after the departure of Rafa. Rafa took him under his wing and worked with him, Bruce however probably trashed his career with his poor training methods and lazy approach.
— Richard Thornton (@richthestag) May 30, 2020
It seems very clear that many Toon fans do not agree with Longstaff’s stance on Bruce, but others seem to understand that he can’t undermine his manager in public.
It will be interesting to see what happens to Bruce if the takeover goes through.