It was two heavily decimated teams that met at Old Trafford in the Premier League’s only match on classic “Boxing Day”, Boxing Day.
Newcastle were missing a handful of defenders, including Emil Krafth, due to injuries. It was notable that Anthony Elanga was completely missing from the match squad against his old club.
The Swede played 17 minutes against Chelsea six days ago, but picked up an injury in that game which saw him miss tonight’s clash. It was announced by Newcastle shortly after the match squad was released.
After the game, Newcastle manager Eddie Howe gave a status update on Elanga.
– He took a hit against Chelsea. “We don’t think it’s too serious and hope to have him back soon,” Howe was quoted as saying Chronicle Live.
Manchester United came into the game without injuries to Harry Maguire, Matthijs de Ligt, Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo. In addition, Amad Diallo, Bryan Mbeumo and Noussair Mazraoui are at the African Championships.
Notably in the Manchester United XI was Lisandro Martinez making his first start since February 2 this year, 327 days ago. The centre-back recently returned from a long-term knee injury.
When the match started, it appeared that Manchester United formed in a back four rather than the usual back three under Ruben Amorim. Left back Patrick Dorgu started as a right winger, among other things. It was Dorgu who gave the home team the lead after just over 20 minutes of play.
Newcastle failed to clear a long throw-in and the Dane volleyed home from the edge of the penalty area. Dorgu scored a cannonball and 1-0 was a fact. It was his first goal for United in the 38th game.
– A perfectly fine way to score your first Manchester United goal, said BBC reporter Simon Stone.
– Dorgu has played left wingback and not scored a goal. Put him high up on the right wing, he turns in with his left foot and hits the ball deliciously. What a hit. A fantastic moment for him, said Gary Neville on Sky Sports.
1-0 stood at the break. At half-time, Manchester United made a substitution when 18-year-old Jack Fletcher, son of club icon Darren Fletcher, was substituted for Mason Mount.
A quarter into the second half, Amorim made a double substitution. Benjamin Sesko, who had just hit the crossbar, was replaced with Casemiro. The latter looked clearly surprised when he realized he was going to be replaced. Joshua Zirkzee and Leny Yoro entered the game instead.
– Casemiro seemed shocked to be substituted, said Sky Sports reporter Adam Bate.
After the match, Amorim explained why he made the decision to pick off Casemiro.
– I didn’t want to take (Matheus) Cunha off, because he is the only one who can allow us to breathe with the ball. Jack (Fletcher) was fresher, Manu (Ugarte) was fresher. We took a chance. They (Newcastle) made a lot of runs on the outside and I felt he (Casemiro) was going to struggle, Amorim said.
Shortly after the double substitution, Newcastle were on the verge of leveling when Lewis Hall’s long-range shot hit the crossbar. A couple of minutes later, Newcastle called for a penalty when the ball caught Lisandro Martinez’s arms while he was dueling with Malick Thiaw in his own penalty area. The VAR team chose to free.
Manchester United then managed to unravel Newcastle’s forcing and win the match 1-0. The win for Ruben Amorim moves them up to fifth in the Premier League table, with a game more played than sixth Liverpool.
After the match, a very happy Patrick Dorgu spoke to Sky Sports.
– It was a good meeting. I didn’t know I could do that (laughs). It was incredible to score his first goal in this arena, said Dorgu.
Recently, Amorim said that “you can feel Dorgu’s anxiety” when the Dane has the ball.
– I took to heart what he said, to work on my self-confidence. I think I did well today, said Dorgu afterwards.
Amorim believes the change of position helped Dorgu.
– The responsibility is not the same if you put him in a more advanced position. He gets more freedom to lose the ball. I think it helped Patrick play better, Amorim told Sky Sports.
Regarding the choice to switch to a four-back line:
– I felt that it was the only way to create more dangers, to have more opportunities by playing a four-back line with many players on the inside.
Amorim seemed to be in a happy mood after the victory. The United manager also told Sky Sports:
– Hold zero. Four back line. Kobbie Mainoo injured. I don’t think we need a press conference. All topics have already been covered. We can enjoy ‘Boxing Day’.
Amorim has recently received several questions from the British press about why United-raised Mainoo is not getting more playing time in midfield.
Startelvor:
Manchester United: Lammens – Heaven, Martyr, Shaw – Dalot, Ugart, Casemiro, Dorgu – Cunha, Mount.
Newcastle: Ramsdale – Miley, Thiaw, Schär, Hall – Guimarães, Tonali, Ramsey – Murphy, Woltemade, Gordon.
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