Andy Carroll was handed his first start of the season against Sheffield United at Bramall Lane tonight.
The big striker came in from the start in place of Brazilian forward Joelinton after his search for a goal reached the 11-game stage.
But sources at United have insisted this was merely part of Bruce's squad rotation policy over the festive period.
Carroll has just shaken off a muscle problem but will look to rough up the Blades this evening.
Otherwise, United are unchanged meaning the Longstaff brothers must wait for their chance and Fabian Schar was again only named as sub.
Such was the strength in depth for Bruce, youngster Matty Longstaff, who travelled with the side, was not even handed a place on the bench.
UNITED: Dubravka, Manquillo, Fernandez, Clark, Dummett, Willems, Shelvey, Hayden, Almiron, Carroll, Saint-Maximin
Subs: Schar, Joelinton, Gayle, Krafth, Darlow, Atsu, S Longstaff.
SHEFF U: Henderson, Basham, Egan, O'Connell, Baldock Lundstram, Norwood, Fleck, Stevens, McBurnie, Sharp. Subs:
Luke Freeman, Robinson, Jagielka, McGoldrick, Mousset, Moore Besic.
