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Oliver Jones

Rafa Benitez gives Newcastle United owners verdict amid Eddie Howe praise

Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has praised his old side's new ownership and manager Eddie Howe for a successful transfer window after the Magpies' great start to the season.

Newcastle spent a club record fee on Swedish striker Alexander Isak in the summer, while also bringing in defenders Sven Botman and Matt Targett alongside goalkeeper Nick Pope who has been a standout performer this season.

The Spanish manager was in charge at St. James' Park from 2016 when the club were relegated to the Championship but earned promotion back to the English top-flight the very next season.

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The club announced he'd see out the end of his contract and leave the club in the summer of 2019 after disagreements with the club's former owner Mike Ashley.

However, after being taken over by a Saudi-led consortium last year and the appointment of Howe, Newcastle have seen form the like of which fans haven't seen for a long time - something Benitez pointed out as he spoke before the game against Manchester United on Sunday while working for Premier League Productions.

"I think the new owners have changed everything - the mood around the city is fantastic, they're investing money and they've done really well so far.

"It's not that easy because you can go into January and not spend, but they've already bought in players that are improving the squad so they have done really well in the transfer window.

"They're also doing really well on the pitch because they're playing with intensity, they're attacking a lot more and it's what the fans want to see. It's all about having a balance, that's the key to winning trophies but at the moment, they're attacking really well and the fans are enjoying that."

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