UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Patrick Dorgu’s first-half volley secured Manchester United a 1-0 Boxing Day win over Newcastle at Old Trafford, lifting Ruben Amorim’s side to fifth.
As reported by Adam Bate of Sky Sports, Manchester United climbed to fifth in the Premier League after Patrick Dorgu’s first-half volley secured a 1-0 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford following Ruben Amorim’s switch to a back four.
How did Manchester United secure a 1-0 win over Newcastle?
Ruben Amorim’s move to adopt a 4-2-3-1 formation with Patrick Dorgu on the right wing unsettled Newcastle early, while Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko came close to scoring before Dorgu’s exceptional volley beat Aaron Ramsdale.
The 21-year-old Denmark midfielder has faced challenges, yet he delivered an impressive performance beyond his striking goal, while Matheus Cunha’s aggressive runs also stood out in the first half.
Ex-Manchester United captain Roy Keane said, “Newcastle will fancy their chances,” pointing out that United had lost their last seven league games without Bruno Fernandes.
Despite Benjamin Sesko striking the crossbar on a counter-attack, Newcastle applied second-half pressure, with Lewis Hall also hitting the underside of the bar, while Ruben Amorim deployed Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot as wingers in a 4-4-2 formation.
Dalot came close to extending Manchester United’s lead, but Newcastle continued to apply pressure, with Lisandro Martinez escaping a VAR penalty on his return, while the visitors failed to break through a resolute United defense.
The win lifted Manchester United to fifth place in the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool, narrowly missing the top four on goal difference, while Newcastle continues to struggle with just one away win, sitting 11th.
Manchester United finished the match with a back four of Leny Yoro, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven, and Tyrell Malacia, featuring three young players and a left-back making his season debut, while Lisandro Martinez impressed on his first start.
United deployed Jack Fletcher and Manuel Ugarte in midfield, with Fletcher replacing the injured Mason Mount at halftime, while Dalot and Dorgu provided width, and Zirkzee led the attack, as Amorim organized a solid defensive display that kept Newcastle at bay, a minor Christmas miracle.
What did Man Utd and Newcastle bosses say about Manchester United and Newcastle?
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim said,
“We had to suffer altogether in the stadium. It was really difficult for us. We had a good first half and then the second half we just defend and tried to do something with Cunha. We had our opportunities in transitions.”
He added,
“It was a good win, but I had so many games here when we played well and didn’t get the three points. Today it was the opposite.”
Roy Keane stated,
“We have seen a big win for Man Utd. To come out and win an ugly game, specifically from a defensive point of view, keeping that clean sheet. There has to be pride in your defending.”
He said,
“The goal was fantastic, a special goal. But if you want to make progress, it has got to be about being defensively solid. It is a start in terms of momentum for the younger players but you have to find something.”
Keane added,
“Digging out results. The teams I played in, we didn’t play well every week but we dug in. They have to kick on now. Getting a win under their belts will give them huge belief and confidence going forward.”
Newcastle boss Eddie Howe said,
“Second half a lot better than the first but we didn’t do enough. It was not for a lack of effort. Felt if we scored we could have gone on to win the game.”
When questioned whether Manchester United’s formation change caught him off guard, he said his team started the game strongly for the first 15 to 20 minutes.
Howe stated,
“But we didn’t respond well to the goal. I was disappointed at half time with our inability to grab control of the game because I thought it was there for us to take. I don’t think it was a tactical issue for us. I don’t think we looked as physically good as we did against Chelsea when we were physically outstanding.”
He added,
“I don’t think there was a tactical problem for us at any stage of the game. We are disappointed with the way we defended the goal. Long throws were something we prepared for.”
Howe continued,
“We are disappointed with our actions in terms of trying to score because we created the chances, put a lot of crosses in their box. The chances were there. If we score that equalising goal then that momentum is there with us.”
How did Manchester United and Newcastle players perform?
Manchester United starting XI & ratings:
- Lammens – 7
- Heaven – 8
- Martinez – 8
- Shaw – 7
- Dalot – 7
- Ugarte – 7
- Casemiro – 7
- Dorgu – 8
- Mount – 6
- Cunha – 8
- Sesko – 6
Manchester United substitutes & ratings:
- Fletcher – 6
- Yoro – 6
- Zirkzee – 5
Newcastle starting XI & ratings:
- Ramsdale – 5
- Miley – 6
- Schar – 6
- Thiaw – 6
- Hall – 7
- Guimaraes – 7
- Tonali – 6
- Ramsey – 5
- Murphy – 6
- Gordon – 6
- Woltemade – 6
Newcastle substitutes & ratings:
- Joelinton – 6
- Wissa – 6
- Barnes – 6
- Willock – 6
Player of the match:
- Ayden Heaven
