Patrick Dorgu wonderstrike gives Man United Boxing Day win while also taking them to 5th in the points table.
Patrick Dorgu volley powers Manchester United into fifth as Newcastle misfire.
The only Premier League match on Boxing Day was electrifying, and Patrick Dorgu’s finish elevated Manchester United to a season-high fifth place.
Due to Newcastle United’s dominance in the second half, they could have been confined to a draw, and perhaps they should have. The lack of cutting edge was the visitors’ issue. Joelinton pressed the trigger towards the end with the goal begging, but it only drilled into Senne Lammens’ gloves. Joe Willock used a cross in a similar manner. Then Anthony Gordon missed another obvious opportunity.
Ruben Amorim’s team ended the evening content despite losing Bruno Fernandes for just the fourth time in his five-year, 308-appearance United career, especially because the captain was one of seven players sidelined.
You can see why the head coach was happy when you consider that they finished with a backline that included the 20-year-olds Leny Yoro and Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven (19), and Tyrell Malacia, who hasn’t played since January.
“Yes, especially if you see the second half, we managed to defend sometimes with a back six [were forced to] and we suffered together. If we always have this spirit we are going to win so many games. It is something we need to feel – that we can win games with spirit and togetherness,” said Amorim.
Of Dorgu, he said: “Maybe the game today with a lot of transitions is good for his ability to drive with the ball. He did well.”
Mason Mount was the main coordinator in offensive midfield, while Amorim’s setup included a flat back four even when defending, with Dorgu positioned as a right-winger.
The former Chelsea player had a blend of creativity and business. When Mount’s corner fell on Casemiro’s head, he had a fantastic opportunity. The Brazilian twitched his neck muscles, missed badly, and was unmarked. After that, Mount harassed Lewis Hall, stole something, and gave it to Dorgu. Benjamin Sesko received the Dane’s cross, pivoted, and then fired an aimless shot.
Dorgu’s scorching goal gave United victory because Eddie Howe’s unaltered starting lineup was ahead. Nick Woltemade’s header floated to Dorgu, Matheus Cunha’s cunning claimed a throw-in that Diogo Dalot lobbed into Newcastle’s area, and an immediate left-foot volley whizzed past Aaron Ramsdale in the visitors’ goal.
United won one-nil, and Amorim received a feather in his cap for moving the dynamic Dorgu to attack. Now, in a red blur, he and his teammates charged at their guests. Mount was drawn in by the dazzling Dorgu feet on the right, but his touch was laborious. Luke Shaw attempted to insert Sesko but was unsuccessful as he raced along the left. Cunha was also unable in locating the Slovenia forward.
The display Amorim’s men were putting on included a Dorgu break, an attempt that Ramsdale saved, and the sight of Manuel Ugarte plotting.
They were direct and powerful, breathless and thrilling—in assault. However, defence is their problem, as evidenced by the goals against column at kickoff (30 conceded). United was immediately turned when Sesko hesitated and was robbed in his own half. Jacob Murphy received the ball, and a stranded Lammens missed a skimming ball.
Amorim saw a deft Woltemade backheel find Jacob Ramsey, so he substituted Jack for Mount. He manoeuvred into space before collapsing in hilarious steps.
United’s terrible tendency to nod off just after the break was evident once more. Scenting blood, Newcastle pushed a jumble of corners. At one, Dorgu diverted Fabian Schär’s shot after the ball bounced to him.
When Amorim had had enough, he substituted Joshua Zirkzee for Sesko, whose last move was to crash the ball off Ramsdale’s bar, while Yoro took Casemiro’s place. Newcastle’s flow was not stopped by any of this. Hall slammed the bar after swerving past Ugarte. The video assistant referee determined that Schär’s request for a handball by Martínez was unintentional because the defender’s attempt struck him in the underarm.
Newcastle have won away from home only once in the league this season, 4-1 against Everton. Howe said: “You could make an argument we should have got something today but ultimately we haven’t.”