On four occasions - but will his patience run out this summer?

window an unhappy Benitez said: “My decision was very clear but it was not my decision.

“I said what I wanted and needed, and what the team needed, and that was it.” missing out on Willy Caballero on a free transfer and Tammy Abraham on loan .

As the window stuttered to a close it became obvious there were limited funds and budget signings such as Javier Manquillo and Joselu came in - resulting in suggestions the Toon boss had hit breaking point with his employers. issues and lack of cash. As Benitez pushed for new players he was then surprised to find managing-director Lee Charnley instead wanting to talk about a new contract.

The 58-year-old pointed out incoming players were more important but in the end had to be satisfied with three loan players coming through the door in Martin Dubravka, Kenedy and Islam Slimani.

Back then he said: “It is not the ideal situation, when you have been working for months, preparing names and analysing players and then you go to January 1 with a list of players and then you start with the names, the main target who you have.” AFTER guiding Newcastle to a more than respectable 10th place in the Premier League, the time arrived for United to make Benitez the offer the fans demanded.

Yet, despite an eagerness to hand him a deal in January, discussions reached an impasse - not over how much money is available but over how Benitez can spend it.