Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League as they secured a hard-fought 1-0 win against Newcastle United at Old Trafford.
After their 2-1 loss against Aston Villa, the Red Devils fared much better on the night. With Patrick Dorgu’s first goal for the club turning out to be the difference between the two teams.
Due to a combination of injuries and absentees owing to the AFCON, Ruben Amorim decided to go with a 4-2-3-1 formation. This is as opposed to his preferred 3-5-2.
Dorgu, who has primarily played as a right-wing back since his move to Manchester United, was deployed as a right-winger. As the Red Devils were without Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo.
The Danish international started in a slightly unfamiliar position but took centre stage midway through the first half. He broke the deadlock with a stunning strike from just inside the box.
Dorgu registered two more shots on target and also mopped up defensively against Anthony Gordon. With Diogo Dalot also standing his ground against the Englishman. Mason Mount suffers another injury blow.
Mount’s Manchester United career has been hampered by injuries so far and the Englishman suffered another setback as he was substituted at halftime with a suspected knock.
Having made his debut against Aston Villa, Jack Fletcher came on to replace Mount for the second half. While his brother, Tyler, was also in the match day squad for the game.
Newcastle grew into the game after the interval and got into some good positions, particularly in the right half-spaces.
Gordon missed a couple of half chances, while Joelinton effort on goal was rather take after he was teed up inside the penalty area by Gordon.
Manchester United were firmly in the backseat in the second half but defended resolutely, reverting to their preferred 3-5-2 formation with 30 minutes left on the clock after Casemiro was replaced by Leny Yoro.
Late in the game, Lewis Miley had a golden opportunity to restore parity for Newcastle from close range. However, his effort lacked composure as he smashed the ball over the crossbar with his weaker foot.
At the halfway point of the 2025-26 season, Manchester United are fifth in the Premier League table with 29 points, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
Eddie Howe’s side, on the other hand, have 23 points to their name and are currently 11th in the table.
It hasn’t been plain sailing for the Magpies in recent weeks as they once again flattered to deceive on their travels.
Manchester United, meanwhile, got an important home win to move into the top-five. They will now look to finish 2025 on a high with three more points against Wolverhampton Wanderers.
