Rafa Benitez’s Newcastle departure confirmed & possible impact on Man United

Newcastle United fans would have been prepared for Monday’s news.

And yet, confirmation that Rafael Benitez is leaving St. James’ Park will likely go down like a lead balloon on Tyneside.

After three years in charge of the Magpies, Benitez is leaving Newcastle.

Benitez’s contract is set to expire on June 30th.

Despite having almost a week to run before that expiration date, Newcastle and Benitez have now confirmed that they are going their separate ways.

It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.

We have worked hard to extend Rafa’s contract over a significant period of time, however it has not been – and will not be – possible to reach an agreement with Rafa and his representatives.

Rafa’s coaching staff, Paco de Míguel Moreno, Antonio Gómez Pérez and Mikel Antia, will also leave the club on 30th June.

It is with disappointment that we announce manager Rafael Benítez will leave Newcastle United upon the expiry of his contract on 30th June 2019.

Full club statement: https://t.co/IscVOvLxGD #NUFC pic.twitter.com/DWeBkpRubP

— Newcastle United FC (@NUFC) June 24, 2019

Possible impact on Man United

Will Benitez’s departure from Newcastle help Man United in their quest to sign Sean Longstaff?

If Newcastle fans have been following news reports closely, Longstaff’s switch to Man United could now be imminent.

The Sunday Times have previously indicated that Longstaff’s Newcastle future was dependent on Benitez signing on:

Newcastle United will resist any attempt by Manchester United to sign their young midfielder Sean Longstaff if Rafa Benitez remains their manager.

Should Benitez go, the profit-aware Ashley would be tempted to cash in, and would want £25m.

21-year-old Longstaff had a breakthrough season at St James’ Park, before his campaign was ended.

Longstaff made 12 appearances for the Magpies before his season was cut short by a knee injury.

Social media reactions

To be fair, Pards has still got 15 months left to run on his last deal…

No brainer. pic.twitter.com/dlFZqwpMk4

— HLTCO (@HLTCO) June 24, 2019

Newcastle defo in the relegation fight next season then

— Roberto Kusabbi (@RKTweets) June 24, 2019

Manchester United should hire Rafa Benitez.

— Jacob Steinberg (@JacobSteinberg) June 24, 2019

Also see: Man United up their Aaron Wan-Bissaka offer, Crystal Palace insist on no ‘Wilfried Zaha clause’.

Arsenal’s second bid for Kieran Tierney fails as Everton circle Celtic’s left-back.