Richard Keys launches extraordinary attack on Rafa Benitez – and questions Miguel Almiron deal

Keys, writing in his personal blog, says Steve Bruce has been “quietly working miracles” at the 11th-placed Premier League club since succeeding Benitez in the summer.

Benitez joined Chinese club Dalian Yifang when his contract at St James’s Park expired – after “doing his best to create havoc” for Bruce, according to Keys.

The Doha-based TV presenter said: “It’s gold for Steve Bruce – the man even Geordies wanted to fail. What a job he’s doing – proving that not only Benitez can manage that club.

“Is it true? Does Bruce really have Newcastle seven points better off than at this time last season? Yes it is. And that despite a really tough start – a far more difficult start than Benitez had. The former coach says it’s not fair to compare different seasons – but he would wouldn’t he?

“Benitez left for a ‘long-term project’ in China and because (United owner) Mike Ashley didn’t ‘share his ambition’. What a joke. He left for a fat salary – and having done his best to create havoc for his successor.”

Keys also questions the £21million signing of Miguel Almiron, a player Bruce has lauded in recent weeks.

He said: “What exactly was Benitez thinking when he paid that money to Atlanta United? I can’t think of one – can you? He’s quick, but, other than that, what exactly does he do?

“Bruce will be a genius if he gets something out of him, but I really do wish both well.”