Manchester United finally recorded another victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League on Boxing Day, defeating Newcastle 1-0 in a battle to stay alive in the European qualifying places.
Ruben Amorim changed things up with the growing injury crisis and the AFCON trio out of international action, and the line-up change resulted in Luke Shaw being promoted to left back with Patrick Dorgu at right back. Diogo Dalot positioned himself at right back as the formation evolved into a back four, without possession.
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Up top, Benjamin Sesko started with Matheus Cunha at number 10 on the left side, and a midfield duo of Manuel Ugarte and Casemiro guarded the center with Mason Mount behind the striker.
Casemiro had an early chance from a corner, missing with a header, and United’s pressure led to a couple more chances in the first 15 minutes for Benjamin Sesko and Matheus Cunha, but neither could get a clean shot off.
The deadlock was broken by a surprise candidate: Dorgu reached the top of the box and volleyed around the bend to send a shot low and into the crowd, just into the bottom left corner. It was a spectacular strike for his first goal for United, and a late but notable candidate for Goal of the Month.
It resulted in a more positive sequence of play for United, a stretch of about 10 minutes after the goal where there was space to attack and a forward-thinking approach from United. Matheus Cunha took advantage of his opportunities to run at defenders and Dorgu’s confidence flowed. He had another attempt on the right wing, which was rejected by Ramsdale.
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The second half saw a bit of relief in terms of United’s momentum. Jack Fletcher replaced Mason Mount and it wasn’t long before Casemiro also retired. Benjamin Sesko saw a shot on the hour mark hit the crossbar, immediately followed by his substitution, and from there traffic was mainly directed towards the United goal.
The Reds held firm in defense, with Senne Lammens making a few saves. The VAR verified a possible handball on Lisandro Martínez, but the replay showed that it was not a serious infraction.
Diogo Dalot missed a chance with only Ramsdale to beat and sent a left-footed shot over the bar, but that was it for the hosts. Amorim’s changes were defensive moves to maintain the advantage. The Magpies struggled to find anything truly threatening until late, missing some decent chances in the process.
The fourth official was greeted with some groans when he mentioned seven minutes of added time, but United did not miss a beat despite several personnel changes. Senne Lammens claimed a couple of crosses and that was it.
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It was the first home win in two months and kept the Reds top of the table at a critical time in the season. Positive performances from Cunha and Dorgu were very welcome for a team short on options, and defensive work to limit Newcastle was also much needed after some chaotic finishes.
United (briefly) move into fifth place, tied on points with Chelsea and Liverpool in the fight for a place in the UEFA Champions League. On Tuesday they will play at home again against the Wolves.