Steve Bruce was bound to find himself working in a hostile atmosphere at Newcastle United, a 'well-placed source' has told The Athletic

The lowdown

Newcastle have picked up just a single point from their first four Premier League matches, leaving them 19th in the Premier League table.

After shipping four goals away to Manchester United at the weekend, they've also conceded more often than anybody else. There were also chants of 'We want Brucie out' from some of the Newcastle contingent at Old Trafford.

Furthermore, relations between the manager and those above him are said to have frayed after the failure to strengthen the squad on transfer deadline day.

The latest

As per The Athletic, the source said that it seemed "inevitable" before the season had even started that Bruce would come under mounting pressure at St James' Park.

The manager previously had the backing of the club's hierarchy but now that support is 'beginning to wane', while his 'few remaining allies appear to be deserting him'.

However, Newcastle may be reluctant to sack the 60-year-old, as then he would be entitled to a 'multimillion-pound' payout.

The verdict

You got the sense that Bruce's relationship with those above him at the club was secure. They stood by him at the bleakest point of last season, the 3-0 defeat at Brighton in March.

However, if the fans are demanding that he be sacked, and influential figures are starting to turn against him, his time at St James' Park may well be running out.

Could it be significant that former Swansea City boss Steve Cooper was present at Old Trafford on Saturday?

In other news, this Newcastle ace came under fire for his display at Old Trafford.