Benitez wary of recent Championship trends

Though Burnley and Hull City both secured an immediate return to the top-flight last time out, only a handful of clubs have managed to do likewise since United last found themselves in the Sky Bet Championship back in the 2009/10 campaign.

The Magpies currently sit second in the standings, six points clear of Reading and Huddersfield Town, the former having suffered a surprising defeat at home to Queens Park Rangers last night.

But, ahead of Saturday’s trip to mid-table Brentford, Benitez acknowledges that there are a number of hurdles still to overcome as his side look to bounce back at the first attempt.

“I have done my research. Of the teams relegated in the last years, in 2012/13 nobody came up, in 2013/14 there was one – in the play-offs, after that there was another one – in the play-offs, and last year there were two – one in the play-offs again. So, as you can see, it is not easy,” he said.

“If you have one or two weeks where you are not doing well, you can lose three games. As we saw last night, with Reading and Queens Park Rangers, anything can happen. The competition is so difficult. It is important to stay calm, focus, and make sure we are strong during the whole season – especially at the end, when you have so many games.

“We have to fight until the last month.”

Christian Atsu, Mohamed Diame and Chancel Mbemba will all be missing for United tomorrow, the trio set to feature for their respective countries at the Africa Cup of Nations in the days ahead.

United will also be without Aleksandar Mitrovic at Griffin Park, Benitez hopeful the frontman will be back in contention in “two or three weeks” after sustaining a deep cut to the knee at Birmingham City last week.

Midfielder Cheick Tiote made his first start of the season at St. Andrew’s, though Benitez revealed that the Ivorian may soon be heading out of St. James’ Park.

Asked as to whether any players could be on their way in, the Magpies’ boss insisted that hard work is taking place to recruit – though he acknowledged that the January window was a particularly tricky one in which to do business.

“Obviously, we are working hard to try and find the right players for us,” he said. “We have brought Sammy Ameobi and Jamie Sterry back, who were doing well. We have less players because of the Africa Cup of Nations, so we will continue working.

“Cheick Tiote has had a lot of clubs asking for him. Now, there are two or three who are really interested. We will see if we can find the best solution for him, for us and for everyone.”