In the face of Benitez’s fury at defeat to Wolves
Benitez is trying to keep cool in the build-up to the window and concentrate on results.
However, some of United’s topflight rivals already have their transfer deals in place and will strike early in the January window – something Benitez was keen to do himself.
A deal for Atlanta United playmker Miguel Almiron is one such transfer which could be done in time for January 1.
The 24-year-old could even train with Newcastle in late December if the Americans can agree a price with the Magpies.
Yet Benitez knows uncertainty over a potential takeover could well create uncertainty over the level of transfer funds he can expect to receive for the upcoming window, which is now just three weeks away.
The former Real Madrid manager did not get any reassurance on the in their mind of the moment the foul takes place.
“Dean will have seen Jamaal Lascelles would not have made it back in time to cover so Yedlin had denied a clear goalscoring opportunity.”
He continued: “Late in the second half, Boly caught Ayoze Perez in the face with his arm as he jumped for a header. It was not a deliberate attempt to elbow the striker. club’s short-term or long-term future after Sunday’s game.
Ashley was not present and there was no post-game meeting in Benitez’s office like at other recent home games.
Sources at the club said Ashley’s return to the scene at St James’ Park – and the reconciliatory dinner at an Italian restaurant in October which came with it – was a positive sign for the club.
However, in the space of a minute on Sky News, again the Sports Direct tycoon threw the club’s whole future into doubt.
If Kenyon’s consortium does make progress on a deal to replace billionaire Ashley, he would not only start life on Tyneside with a clean slate he would also be handed the role of saviour after a long chapter of uncertainty and unhappiness at St James’ Park.
“Boly was jumping naturally for the ball and Dean – who had a clear view of the incident – was right not to punish the defender.”
Dermot Gallagher – another former referee – also believes Dean got both decisions correct.
He said: “Mike Dean had a top-drawer performance, I would say, and got all the big decisions correct.
“It is 100 per cent a red card and VAR would have endorsed his decision. The law says he has to be able to get a shot away, he has the ball under control, he takes one step forward and if you do that you can shoot. You do not have to wait for the defender to challenge you.”
On the Boly elbow, he added: “I think Mike Dean believes Boly is using his arm for leverage rather than a weapon. If you look at it, he raises his arms - which all players do to get off the ground.”