Steve Bruce will be hoping that his Newcastle United side can make it back to back Premier League wins when they welcome Manchester United to St. James' Park for the Saturday night fixture.

Here are the key talking points from The Magpies' boss from his pre-match press conference:

  • Injury update

Bruce issued an update to the media on the availability of players he has at his disposal for the visit of The Red Devils.

Jamal Lewis has impressed during his short time at the club and Toon fans will be glad to hear that rumours of the full back picking up an injury on international duty were wide of the mark.

"We all knew Jamal Lewis was returning earlier - that was pre-agreed & he's fine as well."

However, there was less positive news about Martin Dubravka with the Slovakian shot-stopper set to miss out for longer than previously thought.

"We thought Martin Dubravka might have been a bit more advanced but we never put a timescale on somebody who has had an operation."

Despite it being hardly ideal that United's number one remains out for the foreseeable future, Bruce will undoubtedly be boosted by the form of Karl Darlow, whose performances have eased the blow of Dubravka's injury.

  • No Matty Longstaff

Matty Longstaff came up with one of the moments of last season when he scored the only goal of the game against Man United at St. James' Park in October last year.

Unfortunately, there will be no repeat of this on Saturday as the game has come too soon for the youngster.

In a further injury update, Bruce told the press that Matty had trained without any added issues but will need to get minutes with the Under 23 squad along with Ciaran Clark and Paul Dummett, who are also returning from injury.

"Matty has trained the last ten days and not had a reaction. The U23s play Fulham on Monday so he'll play in that alongside Ciaran (Clark) and Paul (Dummett).

"It's an ideal time to let them have 90 minutes."

  • Saint-Maximin's new contract

Bruce expressed his delight that his mercurial winger had signed a fresh contract with the Magpies, keeping him at the club til 2026.

"We're delighted he's committed his future to us. We've all seen the impact he's had and he's been excellent.

"He's a really bright, intelligent lad and he's great to have around. He's only 23 and has got the world at his feet."

Allan Saint-Maximin has shown just how crucial he is to his club and his performance against Burnley showcased just how effective the Frenchman can be.

The 23-year old has started in 12 of the 13 Premier League wins under Bruce and the side have managed just one win without the pacey winger in the starting 11.

The Magpies have won 44% of all games that he has started whilst only managing a pathetic 6% when he doesn't and this is not the only statistic that demonstrates the importance of Saint-Maximin to his side.

Without the winger in the team, United have managed a measly 0.6 goals per game and average just 0.6 points per game in comparison to the 1.3 goals per game and 1.6 points per game when he plays.

  • The Visitors

The Newcastle Head Coach knows that his former club will still be feeling the replications of their 6-1 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur prior to the international break.

"They'll want to erase the memory of two weeks ago. I'm expecting a really difficult game. They'll be wounded from what happened.

"They've got some top players in the team so we'll have to play well to get something."

Bruce acknowledges the quality that Red Devils possess but his side will be boosted by the suspension to Anthony Martial and the unavailability of new signing Edinson Cavani whilst Harry Maguire is reportedly a doubt for the game.

  • Last Season's triumph

A Matty Longstaff goal in the 72nd minute was enough for the Magpies to see off the Red Devils last season and Bruce looks back with fond memories of the big win for his side.

Bruce also explained his disappointment that a game such as this will be played behind closed doors.

"Arguably in the 18 months I've been there, it was the highlight for me.

"The last 15 minutes at St. James' Park the fans took the roof to make us hold on.

"I wish 52,000 were coming tomorrow but we'll do our utmost to get a result again."