The last home match of 2014 was marked by an open rebellion – Newcastle must register Rafa Benitez or face a worse situation

It's been five years since Newcastle United beat Cardiff City 3-0.

That's a score that suggests dominance and in what was the last home game of the season, it's a score that many would have thought could make home fans happy.

Yet that was not the case – he burst into anger after months of fury that had been crowned by a series of six defeats.

Alan Pardew could barely stand on the sideline, banners were unveiled with messages such as "Support the team, not the scheme" and open accusations of Mike Ashley and Pardew to be "liars".

United's fans had finally lost patience and most had missed the late rally that had earned them three points as they came out in the 69th minute to protest the way the club was run.

Tomorrow, against Liverpool, the atmosphere will be different.

The feeling towards the hierarchy has changed little, the fans are still frustrated but tomorrow it will be around a man – Rafa Benitez.

In what could be his last home game as manager of Newcastle United, fans are planning to fully marry the cliché often overused "12th man".

At the kickoff, a giant flag will be unveiled covering the entire Gallowgate End. It is planned to "stand up for Rafa" and the name of the Spaniard will undoubtedly be sung from beginning to end.

Rafa Benitez: Will he stay or will he go?

Rafa Benitez's contract expires on June 30 and, for the time being, no new agreement has been reached to keep it at St James's Park. Here is what we know about the current state of negotiations:

From the outside, people may think that discontent towards Ashley has dissipated after Miguel Almiron's signing and that he has survived an extra year in high places.

But from the inside, fans and journalists working on the patch will tell you that support for Rafa Benitez outweighs the discontent.

The fans are on the edge of the razor but Benitez gives them hope that something better will happen.

Even in the first nine games of the season where United had not won a single game, Benitez had not been singled out, no one had turned against the manager. He was confident that he would succeed and that he was doing his best in difficult circumstances. .

The reaction to another manager might have been different.

Liverpool enters this match after winning its last seven league games scoring 20 goals. Newcastle fans are still very optimistic that their team can spoil the Jurgen Klopp challenge, which shows Benitez's skill.

United fans do not engage in big matches fearing the worst: they approach them with pragmatism, but with the hope of being able to produce a shock and this is due to the effect Benitez.

Although it's a big game for Liverpool, it's also important for Newcastle. It's the last chance at home for Benitez to show Ashley and Lee Charnley what he can do on his side. This is the last chance for supporters to make the group understand the value of Benitez for this club and this city.

Five years ago, there was an open rebellion and no hope and for some still bubbling under the surface. Benitez prevents this from being the most important topic of discussion.

As long as it stays, that should be the case.