Owen Hargreaves has praised three Manchester United players for their performances during the 1-0 win over Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Manchester United secured a 1–0 Premier League victory over Newcastle, with Patrick Dorgu’s superb volley proving decisive.
Ruben Amorim caught many by surprise by setting United up in a 4-2-3-1 formation, deploying Dorgu on the right wing. Newcastle manager Eddie Howe responded by instructing Aaron Ramsdale to feign an injury, allowing him to briefly halt play and pass on tactical adjustments to his players.
Following that pause, Newcastle began to find their rhythm, but they were undone when Dorgu struck a sensational volley from a long United throw-in to beat Ramsdale. The goal shifted the momentum, and United went on to enjoy a strong spell, creating further chances through Dorgu and Matheus Cunha.
Newcastle dominated possession for much of the second half, yet United defended resolutely. Despite some unusual substitutions, Amorim’s side showed determination and discipline to see out the match and claim all three points.
Hargreaves praises three ‘brilliant’ United players
No United fan expected the team to hold onto a 1-0 win in this game, especially considering the dominance Newcastle had in the second half.
But they worked tirelessly and the defence was strong throughout, with Ayden Heaven and Lisandro Martínez standing out in the middle of the backline.
Heaven was named the Man of the Match after some brilliant defending throughout. “I’m so proud of the team. We belong in Europe and we want to get there for next season,” the youngster said after the game.
Senne Lammens was also crucial for United, and his late claims helped his side hold onto the victory.
All three of those players received praise from ex-United midfielder Owen Hargreaves, who believes they were ‘terrific’ in the game.
“Massive. Dorgu with the winning goal. It wasn’t a vintage game, technically, but Ayden Heaven was terrific at the back,” Hargreaves said on Premier League productions.
“Lisandro Martinez was terrific, Lammens came and claimed the ball at a couple of crucial moments. Brilliant for Manchester United.”
Heaven has been trusted
When Heaven was named in the lineup to face West Ham at the beginning of the month, United fans were surprised. He struggled in that game and came off at half-time.
It was a difficult moment for him, but he has continued to start for United while Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire are out and he is growing in confidence with every minute.
With a lot of talk about youngsters right now, it is a good reminder that they need trust and support to find their form. Jack Fletcher has struggled in his first two Premier League appearances, and will need similar levels of support.
But it is good to see Heaven thriving and he will be hoping that he can continue improving and making it difficult for Amorim to drop him when senior options are available again.
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