Rafa Benitez’s classy message to Newcastle United after Manchester United final defeat

Former Newcastle United manager Rafa Benitez has sent a message to his former club after losing the Carabao Cup final to Manchester United.

The Magpies’ first cup final in 24 years at Wembley ended in a 2-0 defeat following first-half goals from Casemiro and Marcus Rashford.

Eddie Howe’s side started the game brightly. Allan Saint-Maximin forced a good near post save from David De Gea, minutes before Casemiro headed home Luke Shaw’s free-kick.

Rashford fortuitously doubled the Red Devils’ lead when his shot deflected off Sven Botman and over Loris Karius.

As the game entered injury time, Newcastle fans at Wembley stood defiant, waving their black and white flags and singing to the very. Supporters stayed behind after the full-time whistle to applaud Eddie Howe and his players’ efforts.

Watching from was former boss Benitez, and he sent a classy message via Twitter. “Great effort @NUFC, you gave it everything,” the Spaniard tweeted. “Next time. Howay the lads.”

Benitez managed Newcastle between 2016 and 2019 - guiding the club to promotion from the Championship and retaining their top-flight status on two occasions.

After his departure from Tyneside was confirmed, Benitez had an 18-month spell in charge of Chinese club Dalian Pro but has been out of work since he departed Everton in January 2022.