Manchester United 1 - superztars

Patrick Dorgu netted a stunning first-half volley as Manchester United withstood almost an hour of relentless pressure to secure a 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Friday, in the only Premier League match of the Boxing Day fixtures.

This marked Manchester United’s first game after the departure of Bruno Fernandes, and initially, they appeared to thrive in his absence. However, they opted to adopt a defensive strategy once they gained the lead.

WATCH — Newcastle v Manchester United full match replay

Newcastle dominated the second half with 76% possession and fired 13 shots during that period. Unfortunately for them, their struggles on the road continued, as opportunity after opportunity went wasted, leaving them with a disappointing away record of 1 win, 3 draws, and 5 losses this season.

Following the match, Manchester United climbed above sixth-placed Liverpool and is now in contention with Chelsea for fourth place, both teams sitting on 29 points. Meanwhile, Newcastle remains in 11th place with 23 points.

More updates to follow…

Manchester United vs Newcastle United Live Updates, Score — 1-0

Patrick Dorgu 25′

Seven Minutes of Stoppage Time

Lewis Miley sends a half-chance soaring over the bar, but with multiple interruptions in the second half, Newcastle will have an additional seven minutes to search for an equalizer.

Manchester United Substitutions

In the 87th minute, Luke Shaw and Lisandro Martinez were replaced by Tyrell Malacia and Tyler Fredericson.

Gordon Blasts Equalizing Opportunity Over the Bar

Bruno Guimaraes set up Harvey Barnes in the box for a promising chance, but Gordon rushed his shot, sending it over the bar from 13 yards out.

Red Devils Invite Equalizer

The closing 10 minutes displayed more of Newcastle missing their chances than United’s defensive strength. Gordon squandered two crucial passes, and Joe Willock’s cross fell directly into the hands of United keeper Senne Lammens, while another floated cross was too high for Joelinton.

Another Newcastle Substitution

Joe Willock substituted for Sandro Tonali, who had been wearing yellow.

Newcastle Substitutions

In the 68th minute, Jacob Murphy, Oliver Woltemade, and Aaron Ramsey made way for Joelinton, Harvey Barnes, and Yoane Wissa.

Can Newcastle Find the Final Ball?

The Magpies controlled 77% of the possession since halftime, with over 20 minutes gone in the second half.

Manchester United Substitutions

Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro replaced Benjamin Sesko and Casemiro in the 61st minute.

Sesko Hits the Crossbar

Bruno Guimaraes was caught off guard by a charging Ugarte, leading to a turnover that allowed Sesko to unleash a powerful left-footed shot—only to see it bounce off the crossbar in the 60th minute.

A Series of Corners for Newcastle

Fabian Schar’s attempt from a corner was blocked, leading to another corner after a long throw. Newcastle continued to dominate possession, possibly indicating they were adapting after Dorgu’s goal.

Halftime Substitution

Manchester United opted for a change at halftime, bringing Jack Fletcher on for Mason Mount. Fletcher, one of the twin teenage sons of former United star Darren Fletcher, made his Premier League debut earlier this week.

Halftime — Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle United

Newcastle looked livelier towards the end of the first half, amassing 53% possession for the first 45 minutes. However, the hosts had the better scoring opportunities, outshooting the Magpies 6-3.

Tonali Caught by Studs

The Italian midfielder slipped to win a loose ball, but Benjamin Sesko mistimed his challenge, stepping on Tonali’s ankle.

Hosts Thriving

United displayed better fluidity in their play compared to when Bruno Fernandes is on the pitch. Dorgu’s performance was particularly impressive, aided by Newcastle’s struggles with accuracy.

Patrick Dorgu Scores — Man United 1-0 Newcastle

A well-placed throw was nodded down to the back of the box, where Dorgu skillfully controlled the ball and unleashed a shot that surprised an unsighted Ramsdale at his near post.

Ramsdale Makes a Save

Newcastle had a couple of corner attempts thwarted by United, leading to a quick counter-attack where Benjamin Sesko’s setup for Matheus Cunha forced a solid save from Aaron Ramsdale.

Evenly Matched Start

Both teams exchanged two shots each, none on target, with United slightly edging possession at Old Trafford.

Manchester United Lineup

Lammens, Shaw, Heaven, Martinez, Dalot, Casemiro, Ugarte, Dorgu, Cunha, Mount, Sesko

Newcastle United Lineup

Ramsdale, Hall, Schar, Thiaw, Murphy, Guimaraes, Tonali, Miley, Ramsey, Gordon, Woltemade

Match Preview: Manchester United vs Newcastle United

Newcastle has been dominant in recent encounters, winning five of the last six matches against Manchester United since the Red Devils’ victory in the 2022-23 League Cup Final. The Magpies are hoping to extend that streak, especially with Fernandes sidelined due to injury and several key players missing for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations.

Newcastle recently rebounded from a poor showing in the Wear-Tyne derby by defeating Fulham in a League Cup quarterfinal and securing a draw against Chelsea in the Premier League last week. They currently stand 11th on the league table with 23 points, three points behind seventh-placed Manchester United, who are looking for a win to elevate them into the top four.

Newcastle United Team News, Focus

OUT: Tino Livramento (knee), Dan Burn (broken rib/punctured lung), Sven Botman (lower back), Emil Krafth (thigh), Kieran Trippier (hamstring), William Osula (ankle), Harrison Ashby (thigh), Jamaal Lascelles (muscular) | QUESTIONABLE: Nick Pope (knock), Lewis Hall (knock), Lewis Miley (knock), Joelinton (fitness)

Manchester United Team News, Focus

OUT: Kobbie Mainoo (calf), Bruno Fernandes (soft tissue – MORE), Matthijs de Ligt (unspecified – MORE), Noussair Mazraoui (international duty – AFCON), Bryan Mbeumo (international duty – AFCON), Amad Diallo (international duty – AFCON), Harry Maguire (thigh)

Match Prediction: Manchester United vs Newcastle

Ruben Amorim has made significant strides with Manchester United, but St. James’ Park can be a challenging venue for visiting teams. With key players missing, including their best center-back (De Ligt), playmaker (Fernandes), prominent forward (Mbeumo), and a top wingback (Diallo), the Magpies should have enough strength to capitalize on this situation. Expect Nick Woltemade and/or Yoane Wissa to find the back of the net. Prediction: Manchester United 1-2 Newcastle United.