An under-pressure Steve Bruce rang Alex Ferguson for advice after Newcastle’s humiliating 3-1 defeat to Norwich, reports say.
Newcastle fans protested the appointment of Bruce as manager after the shock exit of Rafael Benitez and the Englishman failed to pick up a point in his first two games in charge.
With criticism mounting, the Athletic claim Bruce turned to Manchester United legend Ferguson for advice.
Ferguson coached Bruce at United during his playing days and remains in constant contact with his former player now that he is a manager.
Newcastle’s performance against Norwich was woeful and followed a last-minute training session, prompting Bruce to dial Ferguson’s number.
‘Keep [your] head down and get on with it,’ Ferguson told a dejected Bruce.
The pep talk rejuvenated Bruce and helped inspire Newcastle’s fantastic away win over Tottenham.
Bruce attempted to encourage a siege mentality among his players, hitting back furiously at the suggestion his squad were baffled at his tactical instructions and unsure of their jobs on the pitch.
The renewed attitude worked wonders on the pitch, as Newcastle put in a dogged display that saw their club record signing Joelinton score the winner against Tottenham.
‘We have tried to quieten the storm. After two games, it’s been hard to get that criticism. I hope that gives us a little a bit of time,’ Bruce after the win over Spurs.
‘It is only the first win but we have seen some big performances today.’
‘The only way we can respond to criticism is like that,’ he continued.
‘We have had a tough week so we have had to respond in the right way and thankfully the players have.
‘I mean, to say I “cannot even do a warm-up” is mad.
‘I have managed 900-odd games and over the years you would think there would be some sort of respect.
‘I go back to the fact that whoever took over from Rafa Benitez was going to get the abuse. I hope that is a line in the sand.’
MORE: Tottenham Hotspur hopeful that Toby Alderweireld will agree a new contract
