Matt Ritchie backed for uncertain Newcastle United future despite Steve Bruce’s delight

Add as preferred source on Google

According to The Shields Gazette, Matt Ritchie faces an uncertain future at Newcastle United as the winger is unlikely to feature prominently in Steve Bruce’s plans next season.

The Toon boss is expected to prioritise a shift in tactics over the summer break and hit the new campaign with an established back-four, having frequently favoured a five-man defence this season to help manage a fight for Premier League survival.

Ritchie has played an instrumental role in the Magpies’ efforts since returning to selection last month, and offered his second assist in six games during last Friday’s 4-2 win away to Leicester City when setting up Paul Dummett from a corner for his side’s second.

The former AFC Bournemouth winger, who thought his Newcastle career was over when a return to the Vitality fell through in January (Sky Sports), is likely to have a big influence in United’s final fixtures of the term from open play and dead-ball situations.

But beyond the final game of the season at Fulham on May 23, Ritchie faces uncertainty as it is suggested that it is difficult to see where the 31-year-old will fit into Bruce’s plans if a left-wing-back position is no longer available.

Bruce admitted last week that he will hold discussions with Ritchie over his future at St. James’ Park, as the Magpies boss accepts he may not be able to offer the £45,000-per-week (Spotrac) dynamo the minutes he is after despite signing a new contract in March 2020.

“Matt’s big problem is that he wanted to play, and he wants to play every single game. I couldn’t guarantee him that,” Bruce said, via quotes by The Northern Echo. “The situation we find ourselves in at the minute, and the system we’re playing, suits him very well.

“He’s very good at that. But he’s in an area and a position where we’ve got healthy competition. I’ll have discussions with Matt, but I’m delighted that he’s done exactly what we thought he would do.”

TBR’s view:

Ritchie’s desire to play every minute may prove to be the conclusive factor in deciding if the midfielder’s future is with Newcastle or not, as it would be unlikely that Bruce is willing to guarantee opportunities to feature if he is planning on a change in tactics over the summer.

The 31-year-old, signed for £10million by Rafa Benitez in 2016 (Guardian), has only opened two Premier League fixtures this season when not listed as Bruce’s left-sided full-back in a five-man defence, with roles in midfield against Fulham and West Bromwich Albion.

Six of his 10 opening calls at left-back have also come in Newcastle’s last six fixtures after displacing £15m (BBC) summer signing Jamal Lewis for the position, who Bruce seemingly has desires of reinstating as his first choice given his comments on healthy competition.

It remains to be seen if Ritchie is up for another fight for appearances next term after playing just 18 minutes between a brief cameo at Sheffield United on January 12 and his recall at home to Tottenham Hotspur last month, or if he will decide that now is the time to walk away.