Steve Bruce defended his coaching sessions, claiming that Sean Longstaff’s departure to Manchester United “was never” on the cards. Steve Bruce has suggested that Sean Longstaff lacked maturity as Newcastle United manager. When he broke through the ranks under Rafa Benitez in 2018-19, the North Shields native was the most promising academy player in years.
It only took 13 senior appearances for rumors of a move to Manchester United to surface. With memorable displays against Manchester City and Burnley, Toon fans believed the Spaniard had discovered a jewel from the young levels.
Due to a strained relationship with Mike Ashley, Benitez would leave just six months after giving Longstaff his Premier League debut against Liverpool. As Bruce took over, the sentiment in Tyneside changed, with thousands refusing to renew their season tickets.
Longstaff’s form, as well as his confidence, plummeted during the next two and a half years. In an interview with The Athletic earlier this year, the midfielder chastised Bruce for failing to develop him to his full potential.
“When Steve Bruce came in as manager, I’d come back from injury and didn’t really feel like I was ready but sort of felt like I had to play,” said Longstaff. “And you’ll never be able to play well if you’re in that mindset and position.”
“I wasn’t enjoying football before the new manager (Eddie Howe) came to Newcastle.” I wasn’t looking forward to coming in every day and not actually playing. I didn’t feel like I was being heavily tutored into becoming the best version of myself, in my opinion.”
The former coach has since denied such allegations, claiming Longstaff was a young player who needed to mature. Bruce, who also stated that he “never expected” the 26-year-old to appreciate him, did agree that his metamorphosis under Howe had impressed him.
“I inherited Sean at a time where a big-money move to Manchester United was on the cards,” he told the Gambling Zone. “A huge sum of money was floating around at the time, and Newcastle were turning it down.” Sean’s move to Manchester United never materialized.
“He insisted at one point, but I knew Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mike Phelan.” It was never going to happen. Sean was recuperating from a terrible injury. He’s entitled to his opinion (about me), and he’s grown up in the last several years.
“We had him for over five years. He was much younger back then, and a lot of things were going on, including a long-term injury. I’ve been nothing but impressed with how he’s handled himself, and you have to accept that criticism of management.
“Not everyone will like you, and I never expected him to.” It is never granted as a manager. Sean needed to mature at times, and he has done so. He’s shown to be an excellent player.”
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