Manchester United secured a nerve-wracking 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, as Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s volley proved the difference on Boxing Day.
Rúben Amorim handed Lisandro Martínez his first start in over nine months as Manchester United welcomed Newcastle to Old Trafford in the only Premier League clash on Boxing Day.
The tie began with United ahead, but quick changes from Eddie Howe saw Newcastle begin to dominate. However, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu then broke the deadlock just before the 25th minute, handing United a precious lead.
United remained solid and dominant for the remainder of the first 45 minutes, but in the second half, Amorim was forced into a change as Jack Fletcher came on for Mason Mount, likely due to an injury.
Newcastle gained complete control for the entire second half, but United remained strong. Fantastic moments from the likes of Ayden Heaven, Senne Lammens, and Dorgu kept Amorim’s clean sheet intact, earning a 1-0 win on the night.
With United grabbing a much-needed clean sheet and three points, the side launch themselves into 5th in the Premier League, with the other sides still to play this weekend.
#1 – A flat back four for United worked
So much has been made of United’s formation since Amorim arrived. Against Newcastle, he started with a surprising back four of Diogo Dalot, Ayden Hevan, Martínez, and Luke Shaw, with Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu on the right wing.
The back four allowed United to play a midfield three, which in turn helped the side gain so much more control in the centre of the pitch in the first half.
In the second half, with Amorim just caring about defending, it dissipated, but it’s good signs to come in the coming weeks, particularly once key players return.
#2 – Dorgu more decisive when given faith
Dorgu’s opening goal was a beauty, and it was his first goal for United, around 11 months after he joined the Reds. Too often, he’s felt indecisive when at left wing-back, but starting at right wing, he was much more confident.
With Amorim trusting the Danish international with artistic license in the final third, he filled Amad’s role of being a direct threat while maintaining a solid defensive contribution well for the first 45 minutes.
In the second half, he was tasked with shutting down the left flank as the side looked to maintain the lead he gave them, and he maintained brilliant poise and stature despite Newcastle’s kitchen sink being quite literally thrown in his face on multiple occasions.
#3 – Amorim’s substitutions worked… somehow
With Mount already off for the second half, Casemiro was surprised to see himself withdrawn alongside Benjamin Šeško at around 60 minutes, with many at Old Trafford equally bemused.
Despite Amorim desiring more defensive numbers with Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro joining the action, all this did was give Newcastle more chance to dominate, while isolating star attacker Matheus Cunha up front.
As the game closed out, United were managing to hold Newcastle back, but he then took off Shaw and Martínez for Malacia and Fredricson, which was further questioned. But, to his credit, they worked. He wanted defence, and he got defence.
#4 – Martínez returned with a bang
Martínez was making his first start since his ACL injury back in February, and he did not look a second out of place, putting in a brilliant performance, considering just how long he’d been out of action for the Reds.
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With Fernandes out and Matthijs de Ligt injured, the Argentina international stepped up as both a defender and a leader, and for his 87 minutes of action, he was absolutely flawless.
He made 34 of his 38 passes, making seven clearances, one interception, and two recoveries, all without being dribbled past once.
#5 – Heaven is maturing with every minute
Heaven had a very quiet first few months of the campaign, but ever since his start against West Ham at the beginning of the month, he’s grown with every single minute.
He’s started the last five games and improved with each, and against Newcastle, he utterly dominated their front line as if he were an experienced pro.
His partnership with Martínez was harmonious, and Amorim may have some thoughts on his hands with the gem he’s unlocking, even once Harry Maguire and De Ligt return.
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