Mitrovic has no problem with Benitez

ALEKSANDAR Mitrovic has reiterated he still has plenty of respect for Rafa Benitez as he looks to cement his World Cup place with Serbia.

The United striker is on loan at Fulham, where he has become an immediate favourite after scoring seven goals in nine games to help boost their promotion charge.

While his form has led to many United fans questioning Benitez’s handling of the striker, he reasserted he had respect for his manager while away on international duty this week.

Mitrovic is part of the Serbia side looking to make a splash in the World Cup, having emerged from a group containing Austria, Wales and Ireland to qualify for this summer’s tournament.

His form is being followed keenly in Serbia, for whom his form did not dip despite his first-team exile at Newcastle.

Mitrovic said: “I respect Rafa Benitez’s decision not to play me and now I feel comfortable playing Fulham. I am hoping it will last.

“Every gathering and every match – and even friendlies – is a chance for me, it is a new fight for a place in the team and I am going to try and do my best. ”

The striker’s destination at the end of the season is still unknown, Fulham interested in signing him permanently if they go up.

However, Mitrovic says he has not given up on the idea of returning to Partizan Belgrade, where he started his career.

“God’s will is I wear a black and white jersey,” he joked – comparing the shirts of Newcastle, Partizan and Fulham.

“I am glad of that and I feel fine in this shirt.”