Speaking to Gambling Zone, Man Utd legend and former manager of clubs including Newcastle, Steve Bruce, thinks Bruno Fernandes is an excellent captain but thinks the Red Devils will draw with Everton this weekend.
Steve also spoke of a potential managerial return and would consider Ireland or Saudi, his backing of Eddie Howe for England after Southgate and Sean Longstaff's opinion of him in a recent interview.
Read the full interview with Steve Bruce below.
Q. If Euro 2024 is Gareth Southgate’s final tournament, should Eddie Howe be considered for the vacancy?
SB - ''Eddie Howe will be on anyone's list for England! It'll be interesting to see who succeeds Gareth. He's done an incredible job, and let's hope we can go one step further. England have been to semi-finals and finals in the past, and let's hope next summer is England's summer. They have so many talented players!
“I really hope Gareth can win a tournament because it's been too long for England and look at the standard of the players. They need to have luck along the way and not have any injuries, but I would hope that Southgate can go and win something! I'm sure that would please everybody else.
''Eddie Howe would have to be in the reckoning. Being English myself, I enjoy seeing an English coach doing so well. Not many people could have done better than Gareth, and when you look at the English coaches behind him, you'll find that Eddie fits the bill. You'd have to ask him if that's something he's considering as he may enjoy the day-to-day life of club management, but I'd say he'd have to be in the running should something happen to Gareth.''
Q. There was a report yesterday saying that Man United are eyeing Everton's Amadou Onana and Jarrad Branthwaite. Would they be wise moves?
SB: ''The only thing about Man United I've learned over the years is that they're linked with every player! Who knows if it's true? I'd say Man Utd have to improve on the recruitment side. They've spent a hell of a lot over the years, and clubs always seem to be linked with someone. It'll be interesting to see what they'll do.
I certainly believe that Ten Hag has been dealt a tough hand as of late as he's had a lot of injuries to deal with, especially on the defensive side, and that's disrupted them more than anything.’
''I haven't seen enough of Amadou Onana to say whether or not he'd be a good fit. We don't consider the demand put on players at Man United until they get there. It can engulf players if they're not careful.
“Man Utd are always on the cusp of a crisis - they only have to lose two games for there to be trouble, and that's always been the case for a club of that size.’’
Q. Do you have any names in mind that Man Utd should be looking at?
SB: ''I'm sure Man Utd have always looked at young players who can stay for the long haul. That was always a strength of Sir Alex - so many players stayed at the club for 10 or 12 years. So many of my teammates did, and that's quite remarkable for a club the size of Man United. I'm sure they'll be scouring the market like any other club. I think recruitment is the key for a lot of clubs
“One thing Newcastle have done well over the years is recruitment. There hasn't been a signing who hasn't contributed and made the side better. It's a massive part of the club.’’
Q. Man United will play Everton at Goodison Park in Everton's first game since their points deduction. What are you predicting for that game? Should Man United be wary of that?
SB - ''There is no doubt that the atmosphere will be incredible and that the Evertonians will be right behind their team. You have to feel for the supporters! Just when they're having their best spell in a few years, they're docked ten points. It seems very harsh to me. There's an appeal coming up, but I know one thing - it'll be some atmosphere on Saturday! It'll be some game, that's for sure.
''I'm going to sit on the fence and predict a score draw. Man United have to improve defensively, especially when their front-line aren't firing as they'd like to. They're seventh in the league and they haven't had a good start. Let's hope some injured players come back soon, especially in defense. I know better than most that every team needs a decent defense. The attacking players are vital, but you need the defense to give you that platform.’’
High praise for Fernandes
Q. Bruno Fernandes has drawn criticism for some of his behavior as Man Utd captain. What do you think about his role as captain?
SB: ''Bruno Fernandes has been, in my opinion, Man Utd's best player over the last few years. He arrived for a hell of a lot of money, and when you look at his performances, goals, and consistency, he's the outstanding player for Man United over a sustained period of time. There are times when a bit of petulance comes out, as that's his nature. I like him as a player, though.
“The red mist comes down on him occasionally, just as it did on me, Bryan Robson, and others. It's part of a player's make up, and it's certainly part of Bruno's. He's certainly been good value for money over the years, and I wish him well. It's not easy being the Man United captain as you're under a huge spotlight, but he's consistently performed. I'm all for him.’’
Q. You said you backed Ten Hag and you think he's a good manager. How long should he be given, though?
SB: ''The one thing Sir Alex had that went under the radar was time. Modern managers can only do business in the summer and one month during the winter. That means that you're not getting what you want very quickly. I hope Ten Hag is afforded time. He proved what he's capable of last season - not many would have predicted two finals, a victory in one, and a top-four finish.
“You'd have hoped that he'd progress the side this season, but he's been hampered with injuries. He needs time, like most managers. I know managers don't get time nowadays, but I think they need to stick with him. Man United have had five managers in the past ten years! The club needs to get behind him. I think he's immensely talented.’’
Q. Newcastle will play Chelsea at St. James' Park this weekend. What are you predicting for that?
SB - ''Newcastle are struck with injuries at the moment. Callum Wilson, Dan Burn, Sven Botman, and Sandro Tonali are absent right now, and they've lost all the players that made them such a good team. It'll be interesting to see how they line up.
We've just witnessed the best game of the season with Chelsea and Man City! You can start to see the influence of Pochettino. Chelsea have signed young players who need time, but they've formed the nucleus of a good team with an outstanding manager. I'm going to sit on the fence again and go for a draw! That wouldn't surprise me. I'm going for another score draw.’’
Longstaff critical of Bruce
Q. Back in April, Sean Longstaff gave an interview where he was critical of the management before Eddie Howe. What do you make of that interview?
SB - ''I inherited Sean at a time where a big money move to Manchester United was on the cards. Newcastle were turning down a colossal amount of money, and that was swirling around at the time. Sean was recovering from an awful injury at the time. He's entitled to his opinion, and he's shown maturity over the last couple of years.
We had him almost five years ago. He was a lot younger than, a lot of things were swirling around, and that was combined with a long-term injury. I've been nothing but impressed with how he's got on, and you have to accept that criticism of a part of management. Not everybody is going to like you, and I never expected him to. It's never given as a manager!
There were times where Sean needed to mature, and he has done. He's proven to be a very good player.
''Sean Longstaff's move to Man United was never close. He was insistent that it was at one point, but I knew Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Mike Phelan. I knew it was never on the cards.’’
Q. Your name has been linked with the Ireland job. Does that interest you?
SB - ''I've stated before that I'd like to get back into management, but I find speculation when there's a manager in place to be very disrespectful. The current manager had a big game tonight, and hearing speculation about him being sacked is really disrespectful. I've been there myself.
“I'm looking to get back into football, whether that's an international job, a director of football, an assistant to an up-and-coming manager, or a consultation role. I'm open to anything as I miss the game! International management would appeal to me at my age, but I find speculation disrespectful whilst a manager is in place. Once the manager position is free, then they can give me a call!’’
Q. Does managing abroad appeal to you? Like the Saudi Pro League?
SB - ''I've had many people ask me if I'd go to Saudi Arabia, and the simple answer is - I'm not going to reveal anything! I've turned down a number of clubs recently as I didn't think they were quite right. I'd be open to a job abroad if it comes up - I'm very open-minded.
''I think revealing the clubs who were interested in me would be very disrespectful - so I won't.’’
Q. Roy Keane has been linked to a return to management with the Ireland and Wales jobs. What do you think of that?
SB - ''It's been four years since Roy managed, and of course he'd be on everybody's lips when it comes to Ireland. He's always box office! It wouldn't surprise me.
“Him going back into football wouldn't surprise me. He may have made himself into the face of punditry, but it wouldn't surprise me to see him back in football as I know he loves it. I see Roy a lot as he goes to Salford games if he's not working on a Saturday. My son-in-law plays there, too, so I see a lot of their games. It wouldn't surprise me to see Roy go back to any job in football.’’
Q. Would it surprise you to see Roy back at Man United in some capacity?
SB - ''I wouldn't surprise me to see Roy take up a role at Man United. We all know how highly he's thought of at the club as he was there for 13 years and served as a huge captain for them.
“Who knows? I'm sure he'd be open to any discussion.’’
Brady brings stability
Q. Tom Brady has invested in your old club, Birmingham. What do you think of that? Is it something you support?
SB - ''The club has been in a dark place ever since David Sullivan left. I think David left around ten years ago, and there's been no real stability at the top. I would assume, and hope, that Tom Brady and the American investors bring in a bit of stability. They wanted to bring in a new manager and they've done that with Wayne Rooney. There's no bigger box office name than him!
“He hasn't had the best of starts, though. I'm sure they'll have something in place. They have to get St. Andrew’s fixed, and I'm sure the training ground will be expanded. You'd expect Birmingham to do good things with Wayne and Tom Brady involved. It's been a struggle over the last decade. I always look at their results! I was there for two years as a player and nearly seven as a player. I wish Wayne the best. I really do.’’
Q. What do you think of Wrexham-style ownership models? Do you like them?
SB - ''Wrexham have been in the doldrums and there's a bit of excitement around them and the new owners. I don't mind celebrity owners as long as it's good for the football club. We've seen disastrous takeovers happen in the past, and the lads who run Wrexham haven't had anything but success. I wish the best for them. It looks great from afar.’’
Q. How much time would you like to see Wayne Rooney given?
SB - ''We spoke about the time given to modern managers earlier and how the transfer windows work. Wayne has to put his stamp on it - he's already changed their playing philosophy and that's his prerogative. The most important thing a manager needs is time. Let him implement what he's doing. He hasn't had the best start, but he's proven what he can do at Derby. He plays a certain way, and that takes getting used to. Let's get behind him and wish him the best of luck.’’
Q. Aston Villa, another old club of yours, are flying. Do you think they can finish above Man United this season?
SB - ''Aston Villa are on an unbelievable run. We've seen new owners come into the club. The club had won something like 4 games in 54 when I came in! It was quite incredible. We were fighting in the bottom-end of the Championship.
“Villa needed stability at the top, and the new owners have steadily improved the level of players at the club over the last four or five years. They also have an exceptional manager in Emery, who is proven. He's had a miraculous run over the past year or so.’
“Aston Villa might finish above Man United! Over the years, we can probably guess the top six, but you may not get the order right. We've got Man City and Arsenal, and we'll have to see if Tottenham can deal with their injuries. I sincerely hope so. We'd expect Man United to be in there, as well as Villa. You wouldn't write off Newcastle, either!
“You'd have to say Man City are the ones to beat, followed by Arsenal. The other four or five are the ones that I've just mentioned. They're all trying to get into the top four and the Champions League.’’
Q. Sheffield Wednesday, another old club of yours, have had a really poor season. Are you surprised?
SB - ''I am surprised with Sheffield Wednesday, especially after getting back in! I let the supporters down as I had an offer to go to Newcastle, but I really enjoyed my time at Sheffield Wednesday due to the unbelievable support they've got! I took them on in the Play-Off final when I was at Hull, and they took over Wembley that day.
They have a unique fanbase. For them to go up and not win any of their first 12 games is a disaster area for them. I wish the new manager, and the club as a whole, well. They've had an awful start, and I hope it gets better. The fans deserve it. I hope they give themselves a fighting chance to stay in the league.’’
Q. Why do you think they are struggling as much as they are?
SB - ''I haven't seen many Sheffield Wednesday games live. I'm sure they would expect to be better than where they are. They've changed the manager, and he might blow a bit of magic into them. I don't know if they've done enough to strengthen the squad - you'd have to ask other people as I haven't looked at it in depth. For me, I think they look a bit short.’’
Q. West Brom, your old club, are hovering around the play-offs. Do you back them to go back up?
SB - ''West Brom brought in the likes of Jed Wallace, Erik Pieters, John Swift, and Thomas-Asante, who are all good players at that level. They've reached the consistency needed to have a decent run, and I think they have a chance of staying in the top six if they stay free from injuries.
“We're talking about ownership, finances, and all the rest of it with West Brom, and all of that needs to be sorted to give the manager a chance. It's not easy when you can't add to your squad. They brought in three free transfers when I was there and we could only spend £300,000 on Thomas-Asante.
“That's just what we had to work with. It's important those issues get resolved so they can make the squad a bit bigger. It'll be interesting to see. They still have a chance due to the way the Championship is. They've still got some very decent players.’’
Q. What about Hull and Sunderland, your other old clubs?
SB - ''I'm delighted with what Tony Mowbray has done with a very young Sunderland team. It's also interesting to see Liam Rosenior cutting his teeth. Hull have given themselves a chance, too.
“You've always got a chance in the Championship and there's always somebody who surprises you. Nobody gave us a chance in hell at going into the Premier League, and we did it and got to an FA Cup final! Anything can happen in the Championship, and that's why I've always enjoyed it.
“It's a bit more of an even field compared to the Premier League, where we know who's going to finish in the top six. We may not get the order right, but we know who the teams are. There's always a surprise in the Championship.’’
Q. Do you think this may be a season too early for Birmingham?
SB - ''I think it's a season too soon for Birmingham, but you never know what's going to happen. They were right up there a few weeks ago. I think anybody's capable! There are still a lot of teams with a chance.’’
Sancho fallout rumbles on
Q. This Jadon Sancho fallout has rumbled on. How do you think Sir Alex, and yourself, would have handled it?
SB - ''We're not privy to what has gone on behind the scenes. A few weeks ago, I said there are times you have to hold your hands up and apologize to the manager or whoever else. It's not a great scenario for anyone. Sancho is a really talented player, but he's not getting picked due to some sort of dispute. We're not privy to what's there.
“The manager is always right in my opinion. He's the boss and you have to accept that. Sir Alex was a genius at those kinds of things! You could say something against him and nobody took much notice as he was the one in charge. If you stepped out of line, you apologized.
“Part of the art of management is accepting that apology, as Sir Alex did many times. He had a dressing room full of winners, and with that comes personality. When you're dealing with the likes of Schmeichel, Robson, Hughes, Keane, and so on, they all had huge opinions. It was always going to be difficult to manage those individuals! We all had one thing in common, though - a huge respect for the manager.''
Q. Who was the hardest player you had to manage during your career?
SB - ''My son has gone to work for Robbie Savage at Macclesfield, and it's rekindled a bit of the friendship I had with Robbie. He had a wonderful appetite for the game.
It depends on what you're looking for. I had an awful time with Hatem Ben-Arfa. I thought it would be a masterstroke to get him at Hull, but it ended up being a disaster for both of us! It didn't work at all. There are different aspects to management - there are some who are difficult because of their personality, and Ben-Arfa was one. Mr. Savage was one, as well! Not in a bad, bad way, but he made it difficult when he wanted to go to Blackburn.
I think the art of management is earning the respect of players, especially these days. The greatest player I ever managed was Christophe Dugarry, a World Cup winner with France. We saved our season at Birmingham, but he was a bit difficult to manage - yet a wonderful footballer.''
Q. Why were they hard to manage?
SB - ''I'd chalk it up to differing personalities. You had the extreme with Robbie and Hatem, who thought he was better than Hull and wanted to go things his way. Dugarry was different. He was easily the best football player I ever had the privilege to manage. He could have played for any team. He was that good.’’
Q. Was Robbie Savage only difficult when he wanted that move?
SB - ''Robbie was always demanding! You can still see it now. He's always looking for that bit of confrontation. That's what makes him a fierce competitor. He was non-stop.’’
Q. What about the easiest to manage?
SB - ''I've managed so many players over the years. I enjoy seeing how the players progress, someone like Jordan Henderson, who I managed at Sunderland. So was Andy Robertson, who was bought when he was a little boy. It's the same with John McGinn.
It's a pleasure to see them flourish - that's the joy of management. Hopefully, you've had a bit of influence on them and gave them something that served them in good stead. I've had Wilson Palacios - who was from Honduras - and Antonio Valencia, who went on to have a great career. It's a joy to watch them grow into the player you always thought they could be.’’
Q. What did you think of the David Beckham documentary?
SB - ''The Beckham documentary was a great watch and it was a pleasure to be in it. I can't think of anybody who hasn't seen it.
David is a superstar and the way he conducts himself and how he treats his family garners nothing but respect from me. I've got nothing but praise for him. He was a fantastic footballer, and I think the documentary highlighted how difficult it can be as a footballer. ‘’
Q. Fergie said that he felt that fame changed Beckham. Do you agree with that?
SB -'' David always wanted nice things in life, he always had that about him. The wonderful thing about David was the humility he always had. He had a stubborn side to him and we saw that in his playing career. You don't resurrect your career the way he did if you don't have something about him. I always admired David's humility and the compassion he has for us.''
Q. I saw a story in the Mail about Jason McAteer wanting to take on Roy Keane in a celebrity boxing match. Who would win?
SB - ''I can't believe those reports about Jason McAteer wanting to take on Roy Keane in a celebrity boxing match! I had to back my old teammate, Roy. I would back him against most if I'm being totally honest. I'd have to say it'd be via knockout.
