Overview
- Patrick Dorgu’s 24th-minute volley delivered a 1-0 victory at Old Trafford in the Premier League’s only December 26 fixture.
- The win lifts United to 29 points and keeps them in the hunt for European places as the rest of matchweek 18 unfolds over the weekend.
- The Premier League redistributed seven games to Saturday and two to Sunday, an adjustment it linked to the calendar and broadcast arrangements.
- United were without captain Bruno Fernandes due to a calf injury, with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo away on Africa Cup of Nations duty.
- Newcastle started Aaron Ramsdale in goal, with Nick Pope returning from an inguinal injury to the bench under Eddie Howe.