Rafa Benitez admits the Premier League is becoming harder after his side took longer to secure top-flight status this season than 12 months ago.
Benitez's side booked their place at English football's top table with just three games left this term, and the Toon boss expects the difficulty levels to increase in the coming years.
United have steered their way to a sturdy mid-table position this year after an awful start to the campaign.
Indeed, after facing big guns like Arsenal, Spurs, Chelsea, Man City and Man United in the opening clutch of games, United did not win a game until November.
Benitez said: “It’s really good that Newcastle will be there, we knew from the beginning it would be difficult, it would be tough, but we did well.
“I know the numbers are the same as last year, but last year – when I tried to explain the difference - but last year we were safe with five to play, this year we are safe with three to play which suggests this year was a bit more difficult.
“At the beginning when we started to lose games, I could see a lot of pundits saying Newcastle would be relegated for sure.
“After, little by little, you could see we were consistent, I talk about balance and consistency, and we have done that. Credit to this group of players, fighting for each other, the fans, the shirt, and they have been consistent.”
Rafa Benitez warns what might happen at Newcastle United if 'another manager' takes over next season
