Dan Ashworth's Newcastle United transfer legacy revealed as long-term plan becomes clear

The present may not be looking too rosy for Newcastle United... but the future looks bright if the club's young guns are anything to go by.

Newcastle fans were invited down to Whitley Park and charged just £3 to watch the Magpies' under-18 side progress in the famous FA Youth Cup against Brighton and Hove Albion's youngsters on Monday evening. The home side, coached by Chris Moore, ran out 2-1 winners on the night, with a host of teenage prospects impressing in the process.

In a week where Dan Ashworth has dominated the headlines following his sudden and shock Manchester United exit, the now-unemployed director can at least take some solace from the fact players he had a say in Newcastle purchasing are now flourishing on Tyneside. Four of the most impressive talents from the cup win were signed during Ashworth's stint as the club's sporting director.

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The most familiar to Newcastle fans will be 17-year-old superstar-in-waiting, Trevan Sanusi, who has already caught the eye in the senior team this year. The wide man teed up Joe Brayson for the young Magpies' opener.

A positive pre-season and two decent showings in the Sela Cup back in August had supporters calling for the former Birmingham City ace to be offered regular minutes by Eddie Howe this season. The Newcastle manager has so far resisted that temptation, while also blocking any loan moves for the tricky winger to ensure north east coaches can cast a close eye over his immediate development. Sanusi was signed back in 2023, with Newcastle beating a host of Premier League rivals to his signature.

Monday night saw right-back Leo Shahar handed the captaincy for the hosts, with the England youth talent showcasing why he continues to be selected at international level. The 17-year-old, similarly to Sanusi, swapped the Midlands for the north east last year despite significant interest from top sides.

Shahar has featured seven times for Newcastle's under-21 outfit this season and is expected to be handed an opportunity among the first-team in the coming months, should his progress continue.

Two other slightly younger stars were also catching the eye this week - and were both signed during Ashworth's time at the club. Michael Mills, 15, found the net against Brighton, while Sam Alabi, also 15, was brought on from the bench just after the hour mark.

The duo were signed from Port Vale and Oldham, respectively, with Mills said to have cost Newcastle around £200,000 despite his relative age. Alabi recently caught the eye playing for England's under-16 side as they took on France's young guns back in October. A midfielder with an eye for goal, the teen is tipped for big things.

16-year-old Rory Finneran also played the entirety of the Youth Cup win as he settles into life on Tyneside. The youngster made history by becoming Blackburn Rovers' youngest ever player at the start of the year, with Newcastle, again, fending off their rivals to get a deal done over the summer.

A ball-retaining number six, Finneran is poised to become the club's next big thing - and has already impressed at international level for the Republic of Ireland.

Other recognisable names from the cup clash include Aidan Harris, who was on the bench at the San Siro for Newcastle United's first Champions League clash last term, and Anthony Munda who has recently trained with Howe's first team.

There was also a start for Sean Neave, Newcastle's goalscoring machine. The 18-year-old is another to have be handed a call up to the senior side in training after fine form at under-21 level. Neave penned his first professional deal with the club over the summer.