The right wing of Manchester United has been graced by legends like George Best, David Beckham, and Cristiano Ronaldo. While many have found it challenging to meet their illustrious standards, few have been as unexpected a successor as Patrick Dorgu. Yet, on this particular night, he shone as a remarkable right winger.
There was something delightfully surprising about Dorgu’s performance for United. Despite being chosen as an unconventional option, he played out of position, put in an electrifying performance, and sealed it with a stunning goal. United, who had been striving to secure fifth place over the past weeks, seized this chance despite a depleted squad. Meanwhile, Newcastle is left to reflect on a disappointing loss against an unlikely assembly of players.
Advertisement
Newcastle United appeared bemused by the formation implemented by Ruben Amorim: employing a back four for only the second time during his tenure, with Dorgu, usually a left wing-back, positioned on the right of midfield. Their astonishment at his effectiveness was palpable. With Bruno Fernandes sidelined, it was Dorgu who emerged as a surprising source of inspiration for United.
Manchester United’s Dorgu celebrates scoring his first goal for the club with a stunning volley (AFP via Getty Images)
Having shown promise against Aston Villa, Dorgu’s recent performances marked the best stretch of his otherwise mixed time at United. It culminated in a moment of brilliance; after 38 games and 31 shots, he scored his first goal for the club in remarkable fashion. Connecting with Nick Woltemade’s header, he volleyed the ball with precision and power. “It was a good hit,” Dorgu remarked. “I didn’t know I could do that.”
Surprising as it was, his contribution went further—he had a second shot saved by Aaron Ramsdale and provided a low cross that Benjamin Sesko squandered.
Advertisement
While Dorgu typically played on the right at Lecce, Amorim explained: “By placing him further up the pitch, he has different responsibilities and more room to take risks.” This approach clearly benefited Dorgu. He constantly pressed forward, at times overwhelming the Newcastle defense. After switching to the left side, Sandro Tonali received a booking for fouling him, indicating United’s reliance on Dorgu as they attempted to maintain their lead.
In fact, United nearly doubled their advantage. Sesko, a target for Newcastle before they signed Woltemade, struck the bar with his last touch of the game. Diogo Dalot and the ever-enthusiastic Matheus Cunha also had opportunities to add a second goal, but none were converted, leading to a tense finale for the revamped squad.
Operating in a 4-2-3-1 formation, Amorim had to adapt his strategy, working with seven absent players—four of whom were regular starters. Additionally, United lost Mason Mount during halftime.
Advertisement
When Casemiro was unexpectedly substituted, the midfield reshuffled dramatically to include Diogo Dalot, Manuel Ugarte, Jack Fletcher, and Dorgu. By the match’s conclusion, defensive changes saw both Tyrell Malacia and Tyler Fredericson making their first starts of the season. Nevertheless, the determination of United was evident. “If we maintain this spirit, we’ll win plenty of games,” said Amorim. “We gave it our all.”
Casemiro looked shocked after being substituted, but Amorim’s substitutions helped secure the victory (Reuters)
The squad found an innovative way to triumph. “Finally, a clean sheet,” noted the impressive Ayden Heaven. This victory marked their second of the season amidst challenging circumstances. “We endured together,” Amorim stated.
It demonstrated that United can excel as underdogs, controlling just 33 percent of possession—its lowest in a Premier League win in almost three years. After half-time, they found themselves pinned back, struggling to regain control. “In the second half, we focused solely on defense,” Amorim remarked, although a resilient spirit remained.
Advertisement
A significant portion of this resilience came from their captain; with Fernandes serving as more of a spectator, wrapped in a woolly hat rather than wearing the armband, Lisandro Martinez made his first start of the season, stepping in as captain. He survived a penalty appeal when a shot from Fabian Schar struck his hand from close range, but otherwise had an outstanding game. “He has a lot of character,” Amorim praised.
Stand-in captain Lisandro Martinez celebrates victory after Man Utd held on (Getty Images)
Despite his relatively short stature, Martinez effectively neutralized a taller Newcastle attack. The opposition have their own regrets, attempting 621 passes but lacking in creation. “We didn’t do enough,” admitted Eddie Howe. Prior to Dorgu’s goal, Senne Lammens made a brilliant save to deny Bruno Guimaraes’ close-range effort.
Newcastle almost equalized in a spectacular manner, with Lewis Hall hitting the bar from long range, and in the penalty area, Anthony Gordon had a near miss. Both Gordon and Lewis Miley wasted valuable chances by shooting over the bar. “We need to improve our creativity, take more shots on goal, and become more clinical,” Howe concluded.
Newcastle were frustrated as they failed to break Manchester United down (AFP via Getty Images)
Howe claimed that Newcastle were not caught off guard by Amorim’s strategies. Nevertheless, it appeared they needed an operational timeout when Ramsdale went down, prompting Hall and Gordon to consult the manager. Despite attempts to adjust with a stronger bench, Howe’s efforts fell short.
“We are developing a pattern of conceding goals without scoring, which is a dangerous combination for us,” Howe lamented, while Amorim’s decision to place Dorgu on the right flank turned out to be a fortuitous one.