Rafa: I’ll do V-sign if we win...V for victory!

RAFA BENITEZ says he will celebrate with a V-sign if Newcastle win at Manchester United this evening — but it will be a V for victory. The manager’s cheeky reference comes in light of Mike Ashley’s strenuous denial that he intended to make the two-fingered gesture at protesting supporters as he left Wednesday night’s dinner with Benitez and his squad. The owner released a statement on Thursday saying he was disappointed coverage of the alleged V-sign had undermined his intentions for the meet-up. And, when pressed on the controversy, Benitez said: ‘Because I am coming from another country . . . if you win it’s a victory, it’s the victory sign, so hopefully we can do that at the end of the game. Victory!’ Sportsmail revealed yesterday that Ashley has promised the players an end-of-season holiday if they can recover from their winless start. He also indicated he would be doing more to help Benitez and mention was made of the January transfer window. The manager seemed cautiously encouraged by events at the pizza and pasta summit at Rialto’s in Ponteland. Asked if ‘some good could come from the evening’, Benitez said: ‘Yes, I think so. It was a pleasant dinner. That was his idea to try to support the team, to support the manager. It’s positive. ‘He knows my ideas and I know his ideas. If you talk about everything and you see the games, it would be easier for everyone to understand. ‘Still, I have a lot of confidence and I’m very positive about this team. But, if we can do something in January, it will be better. ‘We have to go to January knowing what we have to do.’ He also revealed Ashley told the players he will be attending more training sessions and matches.