‘We’re working hard in this rough spell’

BENITEZ SAYS TOON CAN STILL DO DAMAGE

RAFA Benitez admits that things are not going in Newcastle United’s favour at the moment – but insists he is still prepared to go on the offensive when the opportunity arises.

The Toon boss could well ‘park the bus’ at Old Trafford against the man who coined that phrase – Jose Mourinho.

The so-called Special One goes into Saturday night’s teatime kick -off under extreme pressure from the Manchester United faithful – as well as one of the club’s most iconic players in Paul Scholes, who has branded the former Chelsea boss “an embarrassment”.

With Newcastle struggling for form they could go eight games without a win in the Premier League against the Red Devils.

Benitez felt that DeAndre Yedlin’s handball, which led to a penalty and another defeat on Saturday against Leicester City, was typical of Newcastle’s Rafa Benitez (left) and Mike Ashley (right) arrive for talks last night luck at the moment. He said: “When you concede, it is always difficult for you.

“When things are not going in your favour you concede penalties like that.”

Benitez has came under some pressure from some fans to serve up an attacking performance.

He can’t really afford to play 4-4-2 with just Joselu as a recognised centreforward and Salomon Rondon already ruled out of the game.

But there could be a chance for Yoshinori Muto to start the game, with a start for the Japan No 10 certainly a change on the team sheet that would be welcomed by some fans.

When asked about changes and tactics, Benitez said: “We have to manage the squad. We tried to be more offensive but we didn’t take our chances and we were exposed in the second half.

“The team is working hard. You cannot complain about that.” Benitez has been spending time on the training field working on setpieces following two defensive mistakes against the Foxes. He went on: “Obviously I am disappointed. We conceded two goals from set pieces and didn’t take our chances.

“The second goal killed us mentally. Leicester were well-organised and worked hard and they had some good players.”

Newcastle may be out of form but they are arguably facing Man United and Mourinho at a decent time.

Scholes told BT Sports: “He’s constantly having a go at players. He’s having a go at those above him because he’s not getting what he wants.

“I think his mouth is probably out of control and I think he’s embarrassing the club.”

But Mourinho hit back: “I am not interested in that. I don’t need to know what Paul Scholes said.

“He has freedom of speech just like anyone else, just like the fans who were chanting ‘Attack, attack’ in the second half.

“People can say what they like, especially Manchester United supporters, because I respect their point of view. I do not want to attract any more criticism for being too open.

“I would prefer to say that last season we finished second in the league, were runners-up in the FA Cup and topped our Champions League group.

When things are not going in your favour you concede penalties