Dean Saunders believes Mike Ashley ‘has got away it’ as Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez guides the club to Premier League safety - despite not being backed when it comes to transfers.
Benitez oversaw his side’s third consecutive win with a 2-1 victory over Leicester City at the King Power Stadium and with six games to go, his Magpies side are 10 points off the relegation zone.
TV pundit Saunders believes that owner Ashley’s gamble not to back Benitez in the transfer market has only paid off due to the Spaniard’s tactical knowhow.
Speaking on BT Sport Saunders said: “He’s got away with it.
“He’s got a brilliant manager there and if they finish 10th or 11th, it will be down to Rafa Benitez.”
When asked by Chris Sutton is Ashley deserved any credit for how this season has gone for Newcastle, Saunders flatly rejected the suggestion.
“No. He’s trying to sell the club and he’s not given Rafa Benitez the money to finish in the top half.
“He’s not given him enough money to do it, so he’s resorted to his tactical knowledge where he sets his team up who are hard to beat and to counter attack - and it’s working.”