Patrick Dorgu made a remarkable entry into his Manchester United career, as the makeshift right winger’s thunderous volley clinched an essential victory at Old Trafford against Newcastle.
Man United entered the Premier League‘s sole Boxing Day match without a home win for two months and lacking seven first-team players, including their key player Bruno Fernandes.
Nonetheless, Ruben Amorim’s reshuffled team responded well, starting with a back four and holding firm at the end to achieve a 1-0 victory thanks to Dorgu’s exquisite volley, as the wing-back shone on the right flank.
The adaptable Denmark international delivered a standout performance, despite his manager expressing last month that he could «sense the tension» whenever he received the ball.
There were no worries on Friday night as Dorgu complemented his first-half goal with several solid defensive efforts, helping United secure just their second clean sheet of the campaign.
Lewis Hall came close with a shot that hit the crossbar as Newcastle pressed hard for an equalizer, with Eddie Howe’s squad experiencing further frustration away from home.
United switched back to a back five during the final phase of a match that featured Lisandro Martínez in a central defensive duo wearing the captain’s armband, marking his first start in 327 days.
The hosts also made another change as Casemiro nearly scored with an early header, while Newcastle initially found it difficult to adjust to Amorim’s revised tactics.
Benjamin Sesko should have capitalized better on a good pass from Dorgu but missed the target after turning, although the Magpies would eventually settle.
Senne Lammens had to be quick to deny Bruno Guimarães‘ near-post header from a corner, while the hosts had to fend off additional half-chances during a tense passage of play.
Amorim’s squad remained resolute and a clever flick from Sesko to Matheus Cunha helped shift the momentum in their favor, with Aaron Ramsdale blocking the Brazilian’s attempt before the ball was cleared out of play.
Diogo Dalot delivered the resultant throw-in, and Nick Woltemade‘s headed clearance looped high, allowing Dorgu to meet the ball with a clean volley that soared home.
Ramsdale managed to get a hand to it but couldn’t prevent it from crossing the line, even as Newcastle’s goalkeeper then thwarted a troublesome cross-shot and a subsequent low effort.
Cunha shot wide of the near post before the halftime recess, from which Mason Mount did not re-emerge. Jack Fletcher, the son of former United star Darren, made his home debut.
The Old Trafford outfit stumbled out of the gates, similar to their last home match against Bournemouth, and Fabian Schär saw a strike deflect off Dorgu.
Newcastle was in command and dominating possession, only for Guimaraes to be dispossessed, leading to Sesko attempting a shot that struck the crossbar.
The striker was substituted right after, alongside a surprised Casemiro, and the woodwork was soon rattled at the other end as Hall’s dipping shot from distance that beat Lammens hit the bar.
Hall posed a threat and Newcastle sought a penalty for handball against Martinez following a Schar attempt, but VAR ultimately ruled it out after a prolonged review.
Anthony Gordon executed a low strike across the face of the goal, and Newcastle kept pressing as United shifted to a more recognizable back five.
Dalot sent the ball into the Stretford End instead of the goal after interrupting a quickly-taken Martinez free-kick as the hosts aimed to maintain their lead.
Amorim’s team found themselves under pressure as Newcastle searched for openings, with headers defended vigorously and Lewis Miley shooting wide as the match approached stoppage time.
