Newcastle Q&A LIVE: Is Eddie Howe under pressure? And what to expect ahead of the first Tyne-Wear derby since 2016 and more as Mail Sport’s Craig Hope answers your questions

CRAIG HOPE: In short, because I believe there is a chance he could yet leave for Manchester United.

As you say, nothing has been said (on or off the record) in an effort to kill the speculation and, if anything, there is increased chatter in football circles of Man United being confident of taking Ashworth as their new sporting director.

Why would he go? Well, perhaps his level of control and influence at Newcastle isn’t what he thought he might be, while Man United could be promising him the keys to the kingdom.

Most of what Newcastle do is ‘process driven’ and must be signed off by PIF, and there is a chance this has caused frustration.

We have heard nothing to indicate any fallout and Ashworth has always been very professional and impressive when dealing with us, but I wouldn’t be hugely surprised were he to be tempted by an offer from Old Trafford.

Welcome to our live Q&A with Craig Hope – our Newcastle correspondent will be answering all the big questions for Magpies fans after what has been a tricky run, perhaps the most difficult of Eddie Howe’s otherwise exceptional tenue. Is he under pressure? What are the plans in the transfer market? Stay tuned for all the insight.