Whisper it… Rafa Benitez might be getting off scott-free at Newcastle

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Rafael Benitez seemingly doesn’t get much help at Newcastle United.

The Spaniard is struggling to yield results this season, and is still without a victory after eight Premier League games.

The Toon Army sit second-bottom on two points, one place above Cardiff City who also have two.

It’s been a tough start for the Magpies, but is there a case to be made against Benitez’s management of the team so far?

A lot of the focus has been on owner Mike Ashley from the fans.

The Sports Direct tycoon continues to prompt fury from most of the club’s supporters for failing to provide the funds required to be competitive in the Premier League, and ‘treating the club as a business’.

He certainly could be doing more for Benitez. Without a shadow of a doubt.

But is his behaviour, and presence on matchdays, actually helping Benitez to get off scott-free?

Ashley diverts the attention away from the manager’s shortcomings

Benitez is defended vehemently by a lot of Magpies supporters.

He has done wonders for the football club since pitching up in January 2016.

But this term it hasn’t been plain sailing.

The former Liverpool and Chelsea boss has seen his side struggle to create chances and score goals, and in some games the tactics have suggested a ‘don’t lose’ mentality.

Ashley’s lack of investment for Benitez to get new players in is absolutely not helping, but the Spaniard did fanastically last season with an average bunch of players – guiding the club to a 10th place finish.

Last weekend’s defeat to Manchester United should never have happened. At 2-0, an experienced manager like him should have set up his team to see that game out and get the first win on the board.