Patrick Dorgu’s first-half volley lifted Manchester United to fifth in the Premier League table with a 1-0 victory over Newcastle at Old Trafford as Ruben Amorim found himself four up.
Amorim’s tactical change to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dorgu playing on the right wing appeared to confuse Newcastle from the start, with Casemiro and Benjamin Sesko coming close. And although Eddie Howe adapted, Dorgu’s wonderful volley beat Aaron Ramsdale.
The 21-year-old Danish international has struggled since arriving from Lecce last winter, but he impressed here even beyond his spectacular goal, although it was Matheus Cunha with his deep runs that lit up the first half at Old Trafford.
“Newcastle will want to take their chances,” said former Manchester United captain Roy Keane. Aerial sports previously. It was further encouragement that the hosts had failed to win any of their previous seven Premier League matches without Bruno Fernandes.
Although Sesko hit the crossbar on the counter-attack, Howe’s side certainly stepped up the pressure in the second half, with Lewis Hall hitting the underside of the bar himself. Amorim had Dorgu and Diogo Dalot as wingers in a 4-4-2 formation.
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Newcastle were denied a pen for what they claimed was a Lisandro Martinez handball
Dalot even came close to doubling the lead, but it was Newcastle who pushed – Lisandro Martinez, on his return to the starting line-up, surviving a VAR appeal for a penalty against him. They lacked the vanguard needed to break down a resolute defensive effort.
The three points move Manchester United fifth in the Premier League table, ahead of Liverpool and outside the top four on goal difference alone. Newcastle, with just one away win in the Premier League all season, remain in the bottom half of the table, 11th.
Amorim’s patched-up side holds strong
Manchester United finished this game with a back four of Leny Yoro, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven and Tyrell Malacia – a trio of youngsters and a left back making his first appearance of the season. Martinez had already shone during his first start.
The two midfielders were Jack Fletcher and Manuel Ugarte, the former replacing the injured Mason Mount at half-time. On the wings were Dalot and Dorgu. Joshua Zirkzee was in front. That Amorim was able to turn this into a rearguard action that kept Newcastle out was a minor Christmas miracle.
The night Amorim changed formation, something he once said he could never do, he emerged stronger. By victory, of course. But, curiously, so does the manner. It was not smooth but resolved. They fight to improve.
If they can stick together and show flexibility, this season looks to be an opportunity for both United and Amorim. “Anything is possible,” said the very impressive Heaven. Aerial sports After. Maybe not. But United are now fifth. And looking up.
Amorim: We had to suffer
Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim talk to Aerial sports:
“We had to suffer completely in the stadium. It was really difficult for us. We had a good first half, then the second half we just defended and tried to do something with Cunha. We had our opportunities in transitions.
“It was a good win, but I’ve played so many games here where we played well and didn’t score the three points. Today was the opposite.”
Keane: Man Utd must kick off
Aerial sports Roy Keane:
“We saw a big win for Man Utd. To come out and win an ugly game, especially from a defensive point of view, keeping that clean sheet. You have to be proud of your defense.
“The goal was fantastic, a special goal. But if you want to progress you have to be solid defensively. It’s a start in terms of dynamic for young players but you have to find something.
“Creating results. The teams I played on, we didn’t play well every week, but we dug in.
“They need to get going now. Getting a win under their belt will give them a huge amount of confidence and confidence for the future.”
Howe deplores physical deposit
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe talk to Aerial sports:
“The second half was much better than the first, but we didn’t do enough. It wasn’t for lack of effort. We felt like if we had scored we could have won the game.”
Asked if he was surprised by Amorim’s formation change, Howe replied: “Caught? I actually thought we started the game really well for 15-20 minutes.
“But we didn’t react well to the goal. I was disappointed at half-time with our inability to take control of the game because I thought it was there for us to take it.
“I don’t think it’s a tactical problem for us. I don’t think we looked as good physically as we did against Chelsea when we were physically exceptional.
“I don’t think there was a tactical problem for us at any point in the game. We are disappointed with the way we defended the goal. We were preparing for the long throws.
“We are disappointed with our actions in trying to score because we created chances, put a lot of crosses into their box. The chances were there.
“If we score that equalizer, then that momentum will be there with us.”
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