Manchester United secured their first home win at Old Trafford in nearly two months as they battled past Newcastle on Boxing Day by 1-0 to climb to fifth in the Premier League table. Ruben Amorim decided to shake things up a little, given the number of injuries and players missing due to the African Cup of Nations. As the starting eleven was announced, Lisandro Martinez took the captain’s armband in place of the injured Bruno Fernandes. There was a shift in the lineup as Luke Shaw was pushed up to left wing-back. Diogo Dalot slotted into the right-back role as the formation would be a back four when United did not have possession of the ball.
In the attack, Benjamin Sesko would start with Matheus Cunha, taking the left-sided number 10 role, with Mason Mount just behind those two. Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte were given the roles of patrolling the midfield.
DORGU’S BRILLIANCE
Casemiro would have the early opportunity from the corner to put the Reds ahead, but missed his header. With the Old Trafford faithful in full voice, United continued to press Newcastle back in their own half. Matheus Cunha would hit a powerful strike on Aaron Ramsdale’s goal. The resulting move would lead to a long throw for Diogo Dalot to get inside the six-yard box.
Newcastle’s Nick Woltemade intercepted the ball by looping it into the air towards the edge of the box. As it dropped towards the ground, a surprise candidate was coming onto the ball, which was Patrick Dorgu. He unleashed a superb volley to strike it low and hard into the bottom corner of the goal, with Ramsdale unable to keep it out despite getting his hand to it. It was a great strike for Dorgu to get his first goal for the club, and it would definitely be one of the candidates for Goal of the Month.
The goal settled down the Reds as they enjoyed a positive spell of football, as we looked to attack into the space. Matheus Cunha took his opportunities to run at the opposition defence, and Dorgu was in full swing, who had another effort parried away by Ramsdale as we headed into the break with the lead.
DEFENSIVE RESILIENCE
The second half saw the Reds’ momentum subside as the Magpies tried to force their way back into the game. Jack Fletcher came on at half-time for Mason Mount, who had felt something with Ruben Amorim and the coaches deciding not to risk him. Casemiro would be off soon afterwards, much to his surprise. Benjamin Sesko picked up a loose ball, driving it forward before his effort smashed off the crossbar.
As Newcastle continued their attacks, the Reds were holding their own defensively with Senne Lammens being called upon. There was a nervous moment inside the stadium when VAR was looking at a potential penalty for a handball by Lisandro Martinez. The opposition’s protest was waved away as it had struck his body and onto his arm.
United were to get the opportunity to extend their lead when Lisandro Martinez’s free kick was delivered into the box, being picked up by Diogo Dalot to earn a one-on-one with Aaron Ramsdale, but his subsequent effort went over the bar. Newcastle were unable to find anything of threat until late on as they carved out decent opportunities, which they did not capitalise on.
Seven minutes of stoppage time were put upon the fourth official board. Our defence held firm in the face of increasing pressure to see out the first win in two months at home.
Player Ratings & MOTM
Senne Lammens – 8. Solid performance. Called upon when needed to make saves. Did have a nervy moment near the end of the game but nothing came of it.
Diogo Dalot – 6.5. Playing in a position that suits his strengths. Had a glorious opportunity to double our lead, but couldn’t kill the game off.
Ayden Heaven – 8. Had a positive game and was helped by Lisandro Martinez alongside him. Spotted the danger well and showed his confidence when defending.
Lisandro Martinez – 8. Showed United what they had been missing after being out injured for a long time. Moved the ball around well and showed great leadership in place of Bruno Fernandes.
Luke Shaw – 7. Looked happy playing in the position of left wing-back as he defended well and was purposeful when attackingwith the ball.
Casemiro – 7. Commanded the midfield with intent and experience. Looked surprised when he was being subbed off early in the second half.
Manuel Ugarte – 6. Kept Newcastle at bay for most of the game. He ended an unwanted run of six straight defeats when starting a Premier League game.
Mason Mount – 7. Bringing the energy throughout the first half. Removed at half time, sparking fears of another injury.
Matheus Cunha – 7. Constant threat to the opposition defence with his runs and creativity on the ball.
Benjamin Sesko – 6.5. His targeted pressing enabled Cunha and Dorgu to excel. Had opportunities to score with one effort hitting the bar
Patrick Dorgu – 9 & MOTM. One of his best games in a United shirt, scoring a stunning volley to win the game.
Subs:
Jack Fletcher – 6. Replaced Mason Mount at half time but grew into the game as time went on.
Joshua Zirkzee – 6. Tried to hold up the ball when United needed to absorb the pressure we were under.
Leny Yoro – 6. Tested by Anthony Gordon but coped well, which will boost his confidence.
Tyler Fredericson – n/a.
Tyrell Malacia – n/a.
Looking ahead
We have one more final game of 2025, which at home to bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers. They are yet to win a game so far this season in the Premier League. United had played them earlier in the month as they came away with a 4-1 win at Molineux. We will want to end the year with some more cheer after the victory over Newcastle and look to climb into the the top four positions heading into the second half of the league campaign.
