'On the rise': Former Newcastle manager makes promising statement after slating £12m defender

Former Newcastle United manager Steve Bruce has said that the club are "on the rise again" despite defeat in a crucial game against Manchester United last night.

Goals from Kobbie Mainoo, Amad Diallo and Rasmus Hojlund cancelled out strikes from Anthony Gordon and Lewis Hall at Old Trafford which left the Red Devils level on points with the Magpies going into the final day of the season.

Bruce, who played for Man United and managed Newcastle was a pundit for beIN Sports last night and made his feelings known about the Magpies defensive troubles.

The Northumberland born Bruce also spoke about the expectations at the club and what he sees for their future.

Image: beIN SPORTS

Bruce: Newcastle are on the rise

While working as a pundit on beIN, Bruce said: "This is what Newcastle want. They want to be on the big stage against the big boys and competing for Europe.

"That's what they demand and that is what the demand has been. Of course, 20 years ago they are buying world record players like Alan Shearer to try to bridge that gap.

"Now they are on the rise again, they have been in the Champions League and are now fighting for Europe. They are on the rise again, that is pretty obvious for everybody."

Despite an underwhelming stint at the club, fans forget that Bruce is a Newcastle fan and always wants what's best for the club. It's nice to see that he can still sing the clubs praises.

Bruce: Kieran Trippier's concentration wasn't there

"I expected it to be a little bit open because of the defensive problems both teams have got.

"Unfortunately for Kieran Trippier his concentration levels weren't up with the rest of the team. I also think the two central defenders left the area very quickly too which left them a little bit exposed."

Trippier made his first start in nine Premier League games after being missing from the team since early march with a calf injury but it was clear that he was struggling against Man United and Bruce says it perfectly.

Unfortunately, Livramento is out until the end of the season due to an ankle problem. So it will be Trippier who starts against Brentford on the final game of the season.