Rafael Benitez replaces Steve McClaren as Newcastle United manager

New Delhi: Relegation fighting Newcastle United have appointed Rafael Benitez as their manager. The Spaniard, who signed a three-year deal, will replace Steve McLaren.

Benetiz, 55, has previously managed Liverpool, Chelsea, Inter Milan and Valencia. And most recently, he was with Real Madrid, where he was sacked in January.

With 10 matches left in the season, the struggling English Premier League outfit would hope that the Spaniard will be able to bail the club out of relegation ignominy.

The Magpies have managed to win only six matches in their 28 outings so far. With another six draws, they could garner 24 points, only to be languishing at the 19th place.

For the record, Benitez has a rather illustrious European and Cup pedigree. He famously led Liverpool to UEFA Champions League triumph in 2005. He also won guided Chelsea to Europa League title in 2013 as the Blues' interim manager.

With Newcastle's form, it will be a tough job for any manager to promise a bail-out, but considering Benitez's huge experience, Magpies at least can hope for better outings.

They have suffered four successive defeats, and will play league leaders Leicester on March 15.