Just two months previous, the 60-year-old had been manager of European giants Real Madrid, yet rocked up at St James’s Park to try and save United’s Premier League status.
The Spaniard, of course, fell just short in his challenge – which started with a Monday night fixture at eventual champions Leicester City.
Shinji Okazaki’s overhead kick decided the result in the Foxes’ favour but that didn’t set the tone for Benitez’s three-year tenure, who brought smiles and hope back to the people of Tyneside.
Here, we take a look at Benitez’s first-ever Newcastle starting XI and reveal where the players who featured at the King Power Stadium are now:
1. Rob Elliot
The 34-year-old departed at the end of his contract last summer. Elliot trained and coached with former teammate Mike Williamson at Gateshead before joining Watford on a short-term deal in January. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
2. Daryl Janmaat
The Dutchman was sold to Watford in Benitez’s first summer at Newcastle for around £7.5million. In October of last year, Janmaat left Vicarage Road on a free transfer, returning to the Netherlands with ADO Den Haag. Photo: Laurence Griffiths
3. Steven Taylor
Tayor, 35, re-joined New Zealand side Wellington Phoenix last week following a brief spell at Indian Super League side Odisha. Since leaving St James’s Park, Taylor has also featured for Portland Timbers, Peterborough United and Ipswich Town. Photo: PAUL ELLIS
4. Jamaal Lascelles
Lascelles instantly impressed Benitez with his leadership qualities and was appointed club captain a few months later. The 27-year-old has retained the armband ever since. Photo: Laurence Griffiths