We Endured Together - superztars

As a football purist, Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim holds strong beliefs about the ideal way to play the game and secure victories.

However, his traditional philosophy was notably absent in the recent 1-0 Premier League win against Newcastle, delivered as an unexpected Christmas gift.

One major factor was the tactical shift.

Amorim once joked in September that not even the Pope could convince him to change his approach, but for the first time in his 13 months in charge, he opted for a back four formation.

Victory was also achieved with a mere 33.4% possession, the lowest percentage recorded by United in any game this season. This marked their least possession in a win since they managed just 29.4% against Manchester City in January 2023.

United managed only nine shots at Old Trafford compared to Newcastle’s 16, and while the visitors made 43 touches in the opposing box, Amorim’s side had just 15.

Despite these stats, Manchester United secured the win, driven by Patrick Dorgu’s stunning first-half volley—his inaugural goal for the club—and accomplished only their second clean sheet of the season.

Though the performance wasn’t aesthetically pleasing, Amorim acknowledged that in certain situations, effectiveness can outweigh flair.

“Yes,” he answered affirmatively when asked if this was one of his ‘most satisfying’ victories during what has been a challenging tenure thus far. “The feeling is good. Compared to other matches, we endured much more today, but at key moments, we gave everything we had.”

“We were defending every cross. Especially in the second half, we occasionally defended with a back six. We had many matches where we controlled the opponent significantly better, but it’s a great feeling to have a clean sheet. We suffered together. If we maintain this spirit, we will win many games.”

Newcastle’s manager Eddie Howe left Old Trafford disappointed, reflecting on yet another poor away performance as his team failed to convert their territorial dominance into the quality or quantity of scoring opportunities necessary to secure points.

But for Manchester United, this result felt meaningful.

Lisandro Martinez and Ayden Heaven represent differing ends of the experience spectrum.

One is a World Cup winner, while the other is a 19-year-old with just 15 senior appearances, now building on a five-game streak in the first team.

Playing side by side in a revamped back four, with Luke Shaw and Diogo Dalot as the full-backs and Dorgu positioned on the right side of attack, Martinez and Heaven delivered commanding performances.

“He [Martinez] is a player with tremendous character,” Amorim noted. “He is skilled on the ball and has handled high-pressure situations being a World Cup winner, demonstrating today that he is a class player. Despite his smaller stature, he competed effectively against taller opposition.”

It was impressive to see 5ft 9in Martinez leap for a header against 6ft 6in Nick Woltemade in the first half.

Though there was a strategic need to protect Martinez after he started for the first time since February following knee surgery, there were concerns when he exited the game two minutes from time, making room for 20-year-old Tyler Fredricson.

However, those concerns were unfounded.

Ayden Heaven with Anthony Gordon — For the first time under Ruben Amorim, Manchester United started a Premier League game with a back four formation – last doing so in November 2024 against Leicester City, in their final match before he arrived [Getty Images]

Fredricson performed well, bolstered by Heaven’s solid presence. It’s hard to believe that just five games ago, during his first start against West Ham on December 4, he received a quick booking and seemed so overwhelmed that his substitution at halftime was probably a relief.

In a short span of three weeks, Heaven has shown remarkable progress. He displayed great maturity in the recent match against Newcastle, earning the host broadcaster’s man-of-the-match accolade.

Heaven’s performances have been so strong that Amorim is warning Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt, both currently sidelined, that their places on the team are not guaranteed upon their return to fitness.

This is noteworthy for two reasons: De Ligt was widely regarded as United’s top defender before his back injury, and Maguire is still awaiting clarity on his future as his current contract approaches expiration this summer.

“I am really pleased with Ayden,” Amorim stated. “You can see he is improving with each game. His training has been excellent, proving that good practice can lead to outstanding performances. If he continues to play like this, replacing him will be a tough decision.”