Steve Bruce has suggested that 40 points may not be needed to survive in the Premier League this season - but insists he was always aiming for more.
Bruce, speaking at his weekly Press conference ahead of the Chelsea game, wants to beat United's tally of 44 points from last season but he would need to pick up at least 19 points from the 45 available in order to level that tally.
The 44-point mark earned Newcastle 13th place last season, however, the Magpies are four points behind that position going into tonight's game at Chelsea.
Bookies have already written off both West Bromwich Albion and Sheffield United and while they expect Fulham to join them in the Championship in 2021/22, the odds on the Cottagers are shortening to stay up, not least after a 2-0 win at Everton on Sunday night.
When asked his thoughts on how many points would be needed to beat the drop, Bruce said: "The key was always 40 points, 38 points, 35 points has been enough in the last decade.
"As I have said all along it is always your accumulation of points, what you need and what you require.
"So we still have a bit of work to do yet before we get to the magical figure.
"For me, it's always about can we improve?
"Can we improve on last year's points tally, can we improve on last year's position.
"That's always going to be in my thoughts."
