Steve Bruce asked former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson for advice on how to handle the crisis at Newcastle.
There was intense speculation regarding Bruce's future at St James' Park following the takeover of Newcastle by Saudi-backed owners, and he left the club this week.
As reported by The Sun, Ferguson told Bruce to remain in the job until a decision was made.
Bruce played under Ferguson at United between 1987 and 1996 and enjoyed much success, winning the league and the FA Cup three times each as well as experiencing glory in the League Cup and the European Cup Winners' Cup.