Steve Bruce has praised Mike Ashley for going “above and beyond” the COVID cash crisis to seal a £25m deal for Arsenal's Joe Willock.
The United head coach has ordered Willock to edge the club closer to the top ten this season, and become a star after signing for SIX years.
Willock is completing his £25m transfer to Tyneside with a medical and is due to train with his new teammates on Friday afternoon.
Bruce says MD Lee Charnley has landed his No1 target, but that it took "patience and respect" for Arsenal and their boss Mikel Arteta.
Willock is rushing to be registered by noon and eligible to play against West Ham on Sunday. Given his lack of pre-season action he's more likely to be on the bench at best.
Bruce said: “We went above and beyond. It has been difficult for clubs in terms of money and fair play to Lee. We got there. Our patience and doggedness was key... we never left it alone.
“It was vital to get legs in midfield which we benefited from last season.
“I have always said that to my bosses... if Joe became available we should buy him. I wanted to keep that door open.
“Where else can you find a 21 year old who has scored seven on the trop? Fair play to everyone getting it done.
“Willock is only young. He came on loan and started 80pc of games he was available for at the end of last season.
“After our last game at Fulham conversations were had: can we bring him back? We had a lot of patience. We knew Mikel would like to have a look at him in pre-season, we had to be respectful to Arsenal.
“It was obvious it was not possible to loan him, then it went to Arsenal selling him.
“From the club's point of view we have gone above and beyond where I'd think we'd go.
Bruce added: “We will analyse him, to see if he can be involved v West Ham, but we have him now for six years.
“The big thing is to improve on last year. We had a good start and finish but an awful winter time. We need to be luckier with injuries. With Joe we looked a threat and he improves us. Little by little we try to improve.”
Freddy Woodman is set to start in goal against the Hammers, with Martin Dubravka injured and Karl Darlow recovering from a nasty bout of COVID.
Newcastle deny having any contact with Everton over Sean Longstaff's availability. Bruce now has 25 in his first team squad and will have to off load before adding new faces.
Matty Longstaff could be loaned out to a Championship side. Bruce added: “We have been linked with 86 players in the summer. Tittle tattle. I have not heard anything about Sean to Everton so I can't respond to that. No one has come to me.
Asked about Matty Longstaff and a loan Bruce added: “It is a possibility. The kid needs to play. He had a difficult year last year, the thigh injury went on and one.
“He has had a good pre season. He needs to get some games. That might be something we look at.”
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