Overview
- Manchester United beat Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day to rise to fifth in the Premier League, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.
- Patrick Dorgu, deployed on the right wing, smashed in his first United goal with a first‑half volley after Ruben Amorim abandoned his usual back three.
- United posted just their second clean sheet of the season as goalkeeper Senne Lammens and a youthful defense held firm, with Ayden Heaven named player of the match.
- Newcastle controlled the second half with 67% possession and 16 shots, struck the bar through Lewis Hall, and saw a VAR check for handball against Lisandro Martínez waved away.
- Amorim navigated extensive absences — Fernandes injured plus Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui at AFCON, with Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire also out — as Mason Mount departed at half-time and Martínez captained on his return.