Rafa Benitez insists he cannot afford to sugar-coat his message after telling his Newcastle squad it will take a miracle to stay up.

The Magpies endured a tough December, picking up just one win in seven league outings and now sit just three points clear of the relegation zone.

They face Manchester United on Wednesday night, looking to build on the point picked up at Watford, and the Spaniard believes honesty is the best policy after his home truths coaxed a reaction at Vicarage Road.

Rafa Benitez believes some home truths sparked a reaction from his players at Watford

'The relationship between my players and myself is quite open and honest,' said Benitez.

'I'm telling them what I think and I'm telling them if we want to stay up we need to work so hard, we have to have a game plan and work on ideas.

'Everyone has to realise — players, staff — it is so difficult for us. We are competing against the best teams in the world, spending massive money and if we think we are better than we are it is a mistake.

The Magpies endured a tough December, picking up just one win in seven league outings

Salomon Rondon scored the opening goal as Newcastle drew with Watford last Saturday

'Our level is our level. You can say to your players the truth and they understand easily what I'm trying to say.'

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Victory against United last season prompted a run of five wins in seven, a sequence that secured their top-flight status.

However, Benitez insists repeating that feat will be no simple task, against a side that has scored 12 goals in their last three and look entirely rejuvenated under interim boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

'It is a team that has to be in the top four, that is very clear,' he said.

'They can compete against anyone. We are talking about one of the biggest clubs in the world. They are so good, if you want to get points against them, you have to perform really, really well.'

Kenedy struck in the reverse fixture in October but has failed to hit the heights of his first loan spell at St James' Park.

He was left out entirely at Watford and Benitez has urged the Chelsea loanee to rediscover the form that made him one of Newcastle's top priorities last summer.

'He can compete for a position, yes,' said Benitez when asked if the Brazilian would return against United. 'I want to see the Kenedy we signed and did really well in the second part of the league. Hopefully he can do well.'

Benitez isn't optimistic about getting a result against a rejuvenated Man United on Wednesday