Newcastle boss Steve Bruce celebrates first win over former club Man Utd… after 23 attempts

STEVE BRUCE celebrated a first win over old club Manchester United, thanks to a dream debut from local hero Matty Longstaff.

Geordie Longstaff, 19, who lined up with older brother Sean in central midfield, sunk United with a 72nd-minute winner in his first Premier League appearance.

It gave Bruce a maiden victory at St James’ Park as Newcastle boss — and his first against United as a manager in 23 attempts.

Bruce beamed: “It’s quite ironic that Matty Longstaff has beaten them in his first game and I have waited 20-odd years for a result!

“But it’s fantastic to see, a local kid playing alongside his brother — and what a goal.

“To score on your debut like that against Manchester United, it’s just fantastic for the kid.

“I have not witnessed any better stories.

“The first thing he said coming off was, ‘Thank you’. That’s ridiculous after what he’s just done.”

Longstaff’s only previous first-team appearance was in August’s Carabao Cup defeat to Leicester.

This gives everyone a lift, I hope it is the turning point.”

Steve Bruce

And the match-winner, who also hit the bar in the first half, said: “I found out I was in the team on Saturday after training.

“Steve read my name out — and the butterflies started going. You go to bed dreaming of this but you never think it really will happen.

“I’m over the moon. My goal was hit and hope rather than a placed shot — but it’s in the back of the net.

“You can’t describe the feeling, running to the fans, it was surreal. To get the goal in front of the Gallowgate End makes it that little bit more special.”

Matty’s brother Sean, 21, added: “He was a breath of fresh air. I couldn’t be prouder of him.

“He deserves all the credit he’s going to get now.”

Newcastle’s victory followed their 5-0 thumping at Leicester last week — and moves them out of the bottom three.

Bruce added: “This just shows you that football management is very up and down.

“You can never write the script. All you can do is answer your critics by getting a result.

“This gives everyone a lift, I hope it is the turning point.”