Benitez appointed new Newcastle United manager

Newcastle United put their faith in Rafa Benitez on Friday, hoping the Spaniard will keep them in the Premier League after they won only six of 28 league games under the sacked Steve McClaren.

McClaren, who had been head coach for the last nine months, was dismissed only hours before the club announced Benitez was taking over on an initial three-year deal.

Media reports said there was also an opt-out clause if Newcastle are relegated this season.