The injury ravaged striker had hoped to be on the bench against his home town club when The Whites start their Premiership campaign. But because the 25-year-old striker has felt a few niggles in the ankle injury which kept him out for so long last season he will not be risked.
And this means Bridges will miss out on the chance to face his former Leeds pals Jonathan Woodgate and Lee Bowyer, and the striker he respects most, Alan Shearer.The Magpies have been reportedly monitoring the progress of Bridges since his return from injury.
Bridges may talk to other clubs in January but he has made it known he wishes to repay the faith in him by Leeds and the supporters and is only interested in getting back to his best with The Whites.
With Bridges a no-go, Leeds boss Peter Reid is ready to give 16-year-old winger Aaron Lennon a place on the bench against United. And with the situation regarding striker Mark Viduka still uncertain, Reid is ready to gamble on exciting prospect Lamine Sakho
Defender Michael Duberry has a fractured cheekbone leaving Reid a bit short on back-four options for Sunday but he has also been concerned about the team's lack of cutting edge.
Viduka did not travel to Dublin with a sore ankle and the Leeds boss will not be afraid to sacrifice him against Newcastle in favour of Sakho.
Jody Morris, Zoumana Camara and former Newcastle full-back Didier Domi are expected to make their full debuts on Sunday.