Newcastle United legend Malcom Macdonald admits he feels for Rafa Benitez over his battles with owner Mike Ashley.

Macdonald believes his old club face a sickening double whammy — relegation AND the departure of revered ­manager Benitez.

Supermac told the Mirror: “I feel really sorry for Rafa because this is a great manager who is just being used and abused. It's almost as if he is being punished for the success he has brought to the club.

“In my eyes, Mike Ashley is not bothered about the club, the team, the supporters or anybody. What he really wants is for Newcastle United to keep ­supplying him with the money.

“It's not good. You get to Christmas and you really need to be on 18, 19, 20 points. I am struggling to see where they might come from."