Alan Shearer has highlighted the lack of ambition at Newcastle as a major factor in discontent in another scathing Match of the Day analysis.
United were beaten 2-0 at Manchester City as they suffered another fruitless away trip following midweek League Cup disappointment against Brentford.
And as he analysed the game on Match of the Day with fellow pundit Danny Murphy, he said that there was a major reason why the loss - even though it was expected - contributed to the feeling of disappointment.
"The fans just want a bit of ambition. They don't just want a team that exists," Shearer said.
"They look at Villa, who have ambition, Everton who have ambition, Southampton who have ambition and you don't have that with Newcastle."
For Murphy, who invoked a fierce response from fans when he questioned what more supporters wanted than what Bruce was delivering, there was a noticeable change of tone.
"I did say a couple of weeks ago, I'm not sure what the Newcastle fans want. I know now - Alan (Shearer) told me enough, the fans told me enough," Murphy said.
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"What they don't want to see is a lack of creativity, a lack of energy and a lack of fight. Yes they've had some injuries but if you compare them, they're a point ahead of Leeds.
"If you ask every Leeds fan if they're enjoying watching their team they say yes. Why? Because they see a team that's hungry, that are desperately trying to play the right way - being brave and bold.
"I think if they have everyone fit they could certainly be better than they are because at the moment they're looking like a team devoid of confidence and lacking ideas."
