Chelsea's Christian Atsu says his future is in Newcastle's hands

The winger – who came off the bench and scored in Wednesday night's 2-0 win over Wigan Athletic – is on a season-long loan from Chelsea.

And Newcastle could attempt to make the 24-year-old's move permanent at the end of the season.

"Newcastle is a big club," said Atsu. "I respect them very much right now. I'm here to play football and work hard.

"It is their decision at the end of the season.

"The most important thing is to keep focused on what we want in the Championship."

Asked if he wanted to stay at United beyond the end of the season, the Ghana international added: "I can't comment on that.

"I'm just focused on the next game. We will see what happens at the end of the season."

Atsu scored Newcastle's all-important second goal against Wigan at the DW Stadium.

The result saw United go top of the Championship ahead of tomorrow's game against Burton Albion at the Pirelli Stadium.

"I was very happy to score," said Atsu. "But I was most happy because the team won."