Gary Neville has been waxing lyrical about one of Rúben Amorim’s men as Manchester United secured three points against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Manchester United claimed a gritty 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s superb volley separating the sides.
United began on the front foot, though early adjustments from Eddie Howe shifted the momentum in Newcastle’s favour. Just before the 25-minute mark, Dorgu found the breakthrough, handing United a vital lead.
Amorim’s side looked assured for the remainder of the first half, keeping Newcastle at bay and dictating the tempo. Early in the second half, Rúben Amorim was forced into a change as Jack Fletcher replaced Mason Mount, who appeared to pick up an injury.
Newcastle controlled much of the second period, but United’s resilience shone through. Impressive displays from Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens, and Dorgu ensured the defence held firm, preserving the clean sheet.
The narrow win secures three important points for United and sees them climb to fifth in the Premier League, with other sides still to play later in the weekend.
Neville stunned at Heaven’s performance
Despite Dorgu’s goal and tireless display, it was Heaven who was granted the Player of the Match award as he completely shut down Newcastle’s front line.
Speaking to Sky Sports after the game, former United defender Gary Neville issued his thoughts about the mad second half that ensued at Old Trafford, reserving special praise for the 19-year-old.
“An incredible second half,” Neville commented. “I thought Manchester United edged the first half. I thought they did really well, but then the substitutions came.
“The shape, the players on the pitch got even more bizarre, but they hung on. He [Heaven] was absolutely outstanding, that young man. He was absolutely brilliant. He headed everything clear, and he rightly gets a hug from Luke Shaw and the coaching staff.”
Carragher makes point about Heaven and Yoro competition
Ex-United captain Roy Keane also had his say, agreeing with Neville that Heaven had been “outstanding” on the night. Then, former Liverpool defender Jamie Carragher went a step further, explaining that it’s even more impressive how Heaven is keeping £52 million Leny Yoro out of the side.
“I thought he was brilliant, and listen, the big thing that stands out, I think, in these last few weeks, is playing alongside Yoro,” Carragher said.
“They’re two young centre-backs; it’s not going to be easy being there yourself. You make mistakes, you know, you have to learn on the job a little bit, but that’s not for nought. Yoro costs 50 million pounds, and he’s the one who’s asked him to step out.
“Also, I think an interesting point that we made before the game: we weren’t quite sure what Lisandro Martinez was going to play. So you’ve got two left-footed players playing alongside each other at the back.
“Yes, we thought it was a back three, but when it’s a back four, the younger guy’s the one who’s sort of playing on the right side.
“Normally, maybe the more experienced player would take that little bit of responsibility, but credit to him—it wasn’t easy for him, it wasn’t his natural side as well, and it didn’t seem like a problem for him at all. Yeah, we thought it was going to be a back three.”