Overview
- Patrick Dorgu decided the match with a 24th-minute volley for his first Manchester United goal.
- Ruben Amorim abandoned his usual back three for a back four, pairing Lisandro Martinez with Ayden Heaven and using Diogo Dalot and Luke Shaw as full-backs.
- Senne Lammens produced crucial saves during sustained second-half pressure as Newcastle hit the bar and a VAR handball check against Martinez was correctly waved away.
- Mason Mount was withdrawn at half-time after feeling a problem, with teenager Jack Fletcher coming on as Amorim stressed the need to avoid further losses in a stretched squad affected by injuries and AFCON absences.
- Martinez captained United on his first start of the season in Bruno Fernandes’ injury absence, and the win temporarily lifted United to fifth during the festive schedule.