Manchester United moved into fifth place in the Premier League thanks to Patrick Dorg’s volley in the first half, with Ruben Amorim in the back four as they beat Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford.
Amorim’s tactical change to a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dorgu playing on the right side seemed to confuse Newcastle from the start, with Casemiro and Benjamin Sesco getting close. And despite Eddie Howe’s adjustment, Dawg’s superb volley beat Aaron Ramsdale.
The 21-year-old Denmark international has struggled since joining from Lecce last winter, but although it was Matheus Cunha who shined in the first half at Old Trafford with a driving run from deep, he impressed here with a stunning goal.
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Patrick Dorg takes the lead against Newcastle with a stunning volley.
Former Manchester United captain Roy Keane told Sky Sports ahead of time: “Newcastle will be looking to take a chance.” It was further encouraging that the hosts had not won in their last seven Premier League games without Bruno Fernandes.
Sesco hit the crossbar on the counter-attack, but Howe’s side certainly increased the pressure in the second half with Lewis Hall hitting the underside of the bar himself. Amorim used Dorg and Diogo Dalot as wingers in a 4-4-2 formation.
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Newcastle were denied a pen after Lisandro Martinez claimed it was a handball.
Dalot came close to doubling their lead, but Newcastle were pressing. Lisandro Martinez returned to the starting lineup and overcame a VAR penalty request. They lacked the sharpness to break through a determined defense.
With these three points, Manchester United moved up to fifth place in the Premier League, ahead of Liverpool, and are outside of the top four on goal difference alone. Newcastle have only won one away game all season in the Premier League, and remain bottom of the table in 11th place.
Amorim patched up side hold hold
Manchester United finished the game with a back four of Lenny Yolo, Tyler Fredrickson, Aiden Heaven and Tyrell Malasia. The trio are young players, with the left-back making his first appearance this season. Martinez shined in his first start.
The midfield duo was Jack Fletcher and Manuel Ugarte, the former coming on as a substitute at half-time to replace the injured Mason Mount. In the wings were Dalot and Dorgu. Joshua Zirkzee was up front. It was a bit of a Christmas miracle that Amorim incorporated this into his rearguard action to keep Newcastle at bay.
The night Amorim changed his formation, something he once said he couldn’t do, he grew stronger from it. Depends on the win, of course. But, oddly enough, how too. Although he was not fluent, he had a resolute attitude. They are fighting to improve.
If they can stick together and show flexibility, this season could feel like an opportunity for both United and Amorim. “Anything is possible,” a very impressive Haven told Sky Sports afterwards. Probably not. However, United are currently fifth. And when I looked up.
Amorim: We had to suffer.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim told Sky Sports.
“We had to suffer completely at the stadium. It was really difficult for us. The first half was good, but in the second half we just defended and tried to do things with Cunha. We had chances in transition.”
“It was a good win, but there were many games here where we played well but didn’t get the three points. Today it was the opposite.”
Keane: “Manchester United must start playing”
Roy Keane of Sky Sports:
“We’ve seen big wins for Man United, especially from a defensive point of view, winning ugly games and keeping clean sheets. There’s got to be pride in defense.”
“The goal was great, it was a special goal, but if we want to progress we need to be solid defensively. It’s a start in terms of momentum for the young players, but we have to find something.”
“Digging results. The teams I played for didn’t play well every week, but they tried their best.
“They have to start now. Getting a win will give them a lot of confidence and confidence going forward.”
Howe laments physical decline
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe told Sky Sports:
“The second half was a lot better than the first, but we just didn’t try hard enough. It wasn’t for lack of effort. I felt like if we had scored, we could have won the game.”
When asked if he was overtaken by Amorim’s formation change, Howe replied: “Did you know? I actually thought we started the game very well for 15 to 20 minutes.
“But we didn’t react well to the goal. At half-time we were disappointed that we couldn’t control the game because we thought it was something we could take away.
“I don’t think it was a tactical issue for us. I don’t think we were as physically good as we were against Chelsea when we were physically good.”
“I don’t think there was a tactical problem at any stage of the game. I’m disappointed in the way we defended the goal. The long throw was something we had prepared for.”
“I’m disappointed in what we did in terms of trying to score because we created chances and put a lot of crosses into the opponent’s box.The chances were there.
“If we can score the tying goal, that momentum will stay with us.”
