Steve Bruce has told Yoshinori Muto that only hard work will get him back into his thinking this season.
The Japan international has been on the sidelines for two months now with his last appearance coming in the 5-0 hammering at Leicester City.
United have not had value for money for the £9.5million they paid Mainz 05 for in summer 2018 with just two goals from the centre-forward so far in Toon colours.
Bruce was asked by a Japanese journalist about Muto's current status at United, and replied: "Well at the moment we have three up top - and we have Andy Carroll and Dwight Gayle, they are in front of him at the moment.
"But he's just got to keep working away.
"And then hope for his chance."
Muto's frustration is compounded by the goal droughts of Allan Saint-Maxmin, Joelinton and Miguel Almiron who have managed to hold on to their places despite a lack of fire power.
Bruce also spoke about the need for them to get back on the goal trail.
He said: "They have to stick with it and stay confident if they can.
"For strikers it is all about goals as we know.
"Unfortunately, all of them at the minute are lacking in that department.
"But we have to keep working away at it."
