Get the latest NUFC transfer and takeover news straight to your inbox for FREE by signing up to our newsletter Subscribe Thank you for subscribing We have more newsletters Show me See our privacy notice Invalid Email

Rafa Benitez made a winning start to life as Dalian Yifang manager on Sunday, as they ran out 3-1 winners over Henan Jianye.

The 59-year-old only officially left Newcastle at the start of the week but he was confirmed as manager of the Chinese Super League outfit on Tuesday.

The Spaniard was straight down to work with his new players on Wednesday and it clearly paid dividends, as a brace from Ghana international, Emmanuel Boateng, as well as a penalty from former Atletico Madrid and Monaco star, Yannick Ferreira-Carrasco, sealed a comfortable win on his first game in charge.

The win ensured Dalian Yifang remain tenth in the Super League table as Benitez looks to cut the gap between his side and the big three sides in China - Beijing Guoan, Guangzhou Evergrande and Shanghai SIPG.

Speaking about his ambitions with Dalian Yifang, Benitez said earlier this week: “My ambition hasn’t changed - I want to compete. I want to win.

"In this case, I have to adapt, but I had to adapt at Newcastle, too. The challenge is not just the first team, but organising everything at the club in terms of football. If you’re successful, everyone can be pleased with that.

“I’ve had the experience of staying at home, waiting. It’s so frustrating for you to see teams struggling and think, ‘I could do this, I could do that’, when you are at home.

"No chance. I want to make sure that I have a job and perform at the level that I can perform, anywhere.

“I like to train, to coach. I did the same with my daughter’s team at her school. I can’t just be sitting and waiting. My wife would just tell me to go away, anyway.

"It’s better if I get a job and, if it’s a good job with a good project and good money, then I’m happy with that.”

Meanwhile, Benitez is reportedly targeting a reunion with former Newcastle forward Salomon Rondon in China.

The Times and Sky Sports claim Dalian Yifang are keen to sign the Venezuelan international from West Bromwich Albion and it is believed they are now favourites to sign him this summer.

(Image: Newcastle United)

Benitez wanted to sign Rondon on a permanent basis last summer but Newcastle refused to sanction a £16.5million fee for the 29-year-old.

Rondon scored 12 goals and registered seven assists during his season-long loan spell with the Magpies last term.