Manchester United edge past Newcastle thanks to Patrick Dorgu stunner in Premier League's only Boxing Day clash
Patrick Dorgu scored his first Manchester United goal in spectacular fashion to secure three points against Newcastle at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Listen to this article
The Red Devils went into the fixture without a home win in two months and missing seven first-team players, including talisman Bruno Fernandes.
But Ruben Amorim’s rejigged side rallied as they started with a back four and dug deep at the end to secure a 1-0 triumph courtesy of Dorgu’s delightful volley as the wing-back impressed on the right wing.
It was an impressive all-action display by the versatile Denmark international, whose manager last month admitted he could "feel the anxiety" every time he touched the ball.
Read more: Australia crush England in 20-wicket Boxing Day Ashes chaos
Read more: Nottingham Forest legend John Robertson dies aged 72, former club announces
There were no such concerns on Friday evening as Dorgu followed his first-half strike with some impressive defensive contributions as United kept just their second clean sheet of the season.
Lewis Hall struck the crossbar as Newcastle pushed strongly for a leveller, with Eddie Howe’s side tasting more disappointment on the road.
Senne Lammens had to be alert to stop Bruno Guimaraes’ near-post nod from a corner, with the hosts having to swat away other half-chances during a dicey spell.
Amorim’s men held firm and a smart Sesko flick to Matheus Cunha helped swing the game in their favour, with Aaron Ramsdale beating away the Brazilian’s drive before the ball was hacked out of play.
Diogo Dalot sent over the resulting throw-in and Nick Woltemade’s headed clearance looped high, with Dorgu racing onto the ball hitting a crisp volley that flew home.
Ramsdale got a hand to the strike but could not stop it from finding the net, although Newcastle’s goalkeeper would prevent him from a threatening cross-shot and then a low strike.
Jack Fletcher, son of United favourite Darren, came on for his home debut.The Old Trafford side stumbled out the blocks, just as they did in their last home game against Bournemouth, and Fabian Schar saw a strike deflect wide off Dorgu.
Newcastle were in control and bossing possession, only for Guimaraes to be robbed and Sesko to be put in to rifle off the crossbar.
The striker was brought off straight after, along with a surprised Casemiro, and the woodwork was soon rattled at the other end as Hall’s dipping effort from distance that beat Lammens came off the bar.
Hall looked a threat and Newcastle hoped to be awarded a penalty for handball against Martinez from a Schar strike, but the VAR decided against it after a lengthy review.
Anthony Gordon hit a low strike across the face of goal and Newcastle continued to knock at the door as United moved to a more familiar back five.
Amorim's side were penned back as Newcastle attempted to find a gap, with balls defended strongly and Lewis Miley slamming wide as the match entered stoppage time.