'They play better football than under Rafa Benitez' - Would-be Newcastle United owners urged to stick with Steve Bruce

The Premier League have been mulling over a proposed £300million takeover, which is 80% funded by Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund, for the best part of three months with hopes there could soon be a positive resolution.

Newcastle resumed their Premier League campaign with a comfortable 3-0 win over Sheffield United on Sunday and speaking on Match of the Day, pundit Neville has backed his friend Bruce.

Reflecting on talk of Bruce being replaced if new owners come in, Neville said: "I think it's been annoying and disrespectful to the job Steve Bruce has done.

"Rafa Benitez was the messiah up there. He did a great job.

“He steadied the ship, kept them in the Premier League but Steve Bruce takes over and there's a lot of pressure on him but I think he's done equally if not better than Rafa Benitez.

"If you're talking about a consortium coming in with big money, stick with Steve Bruce.”

Neville added: “He is a fantastic manager who deserves a shot. He's a home town boy, he knows the club, he's got an affinity with Newcastle.

“It annoys me when they say bring these big name managers in, no, stick with Steve Bruce.

"They play better football now than they did under Rafa Benitez.

“The style of football's better, it's more attacking, he's bringing in better players.

“Look, I know him and I love him but he's a fantastic manager."