'No doubt' - Man Utd won't like Newcastle United's latest message on Dan Ashworth's future

Eddie Howe believes Dan Ashworth is committed to Newcastle United for the long-term amid interest from Manchester United.

Ashworth joined the Magpies from Brighton and Hove Albion in the summer of 2022 and has overseen big changes, both on and off the pitch, after sealing Champions League qualification last season.

His success has reportedly caught the attention of Man United. As per multiple reports, Ashworth is top of Sir Jim Ratcliffe's list. Ratcliffe's INEOS Group is set to take control of the Old Trafford club's football operations once their 25 per-cent stake is ratified by the Premier League.

Ashworth has a long-standing relationship with Ratcliffe’s right-hand man Sir Dave Brailsford, who hosted a presentation in front of the Newcastle squad in Portugal ahead of the 2022-23 Premier League campaign.

That has led to suggestions Ashworth could be swayed into moving to Old Trafford but Howe has eased some fears over his potential departurre,

Newcastle's head coach said: "Of course I've spoken to Dan but not necessarily about that. It's very difficult to comment on speculation, whether that be a player or someone in Dan's position.

"I've got no doubt that Dan is here for the long term but it's probably a question for Dan rather than me."

Howe added: “I think whenever someone is in the role of importance that Dan is, hugely important and he's done a really good job in helping us in loads of different ways, building departments, the training ground, he's connected with everything that goes on in terms of the decision making at the football club.

"He's hugely important and has been a really calming influence behind the scenes, his vast experience has really helped."

Gary Neville recently suggested Ashworth would be a good fit for Man United after bumping into him during Newcastle's 3-0 victory in the Carabao Cup third round.

Neville's praise was put to Ashworth during a sitdown interview at the club's Benton training ground in November and he played down talk of him being lured away from Tyneside.

"First of all, I literally saw Gary when walking into the directors' box and he was going down the tunnel. I shouted 'hello' and that was it,’ said Ashworth. ‘I didn't have a conversation with Gary. I know him and Phil (Neville) from their England days. He's written some very kind things and thank you Gary.

"But it’s the same situation as Eddie [Howe], I think. I'm really happy, it's a brilliant city, club and project. I'm thoroughly engaged in throwing myself into all of those things and really enjoying the challenge."