Alan Shearer's offer to Rafa Benitez at Newcastle

Benitez took advice from Shearer before becoming the relegation-threatened club’s new manager last week.

The Spaniard will take charge of second-bottom United for the first time at Leicester City tonight.

Benitez’s arrival has given Newcaslte’s fans renewed hope that the club can stay in the Premier League.

And Shearer, United’s all-time record goalscorer and manager the last time the club was relegated, told Benitez to call him any time if he needed advice as he attempts to guide the club to safety.

Asked what Shearer had said to him, Benitez said: “He loves the club.

“He told me if you do well it will be amazing. He said ‘if you need me or want to know anything, about the city, about the fans, about everything, you can always ask’.

“But we didn’t have too much time to prepare for Leicester so I said ‘listen, fantastic, we will have lunch any time’.

“He was great, he was really good, but it was just a chat.”

Benitez also spoke to Newcastle legend Peter Beardsley, now the club’s football development manager, before committing to the club.

The 55-year-old, sacked as Real Madrid manager in January, signed a three-year deal on Friday.

Shearer has been highly-critical of United owner Mike Ashley in recent years.

After Benitez’s appointment, he said on Twitter: “Exciting appointment for @NUFC What a coup! Let’s just hope Rafa is allowed to do what he needs to do – manage!”