Mike Ashley 'blames Bin Zayed Group' for Rafa Benitez's exit at Newcastle United

Benitez’s three-year association with the club formally ended yesterday when his contract expired.

The 59-year-old, unhappy with the offer made by Ashley, had refused to sign a one-year deal.

United announced last Monday that it had “not been possible” to reach an agreement over a new deal with Benitez.

That prompted an angry backlash from fans, who had been desperate for Benitez to stay at St James's Park.

MirrorFootball claim that Ashley, the club’s owner, ended contract talks with Benitez following discussions with would-be buyer Sheikh Khaled, who, it is reported, did not want the Spaniard as manager.

Managing director Lee Charnley, however, must now appoint a manager who could yet be sacked by any new owner.

TV presenter Richard Keys, meanwhile, believes United will ‘power on’ without the former Liverpool and Chelsea manager.

Replying to a Newcastle supporter on Twitter, Keys said he felt Ashley had grown weary of Benitez’s ‘constant moaning’ and claimed the club would push on without him.

“Wait for the replacement announcement,” he tweeted.

“Your club is buoyant - financially stable.

“Your owner tired of Rafa’s constant moaning - and no-one in their right mind gives the manager financial control.

“Rafa won’t get a better job than he had. Newcastle will power on.”