Daijiworld Media Network - Manchester

Manchester, Dec 27: Patrick Dorgu scored his first goal for Manchester United as the Red Devils edged past Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford, a result that lifted Ruben Amorim’s side to fifth place in the Premier League despite a depleted squad.

United were without captain Bruno Fernandes due to injury, while Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo were absent owing to the Africa Cup of Nations. Amorim’s tactical switch, however, proved decisive as he altered his usual 3-4-3 system, deploying Dorgu in a more attacking role on the right side of a three behind striker Benjamin Sesko.

The move paid off in the 24th minute when Diogo Dalot’s cross was cleared high into the air and the 21-year-old Danish international struck a sweet left-footed volley past Aaron Ramsdale to score the match-winning goal. It was Dorgu’s first for United since joining from Lecce nearly a year ago.

A first home victory in two months saw United draw level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea, while Newcastle remained 11th, continuing their poor away form with just two wins in 12 road games across competitions.

Despite Newcastle dominating possession and pinning United back for much of the second half, the hosts showed resilience to register only their second clean sheet of the season. United also created chances to extend their lead, with Sesko hitting the crossbar and Dalot firing over from close range.

Newcastle went closest through Lewis Hall, who struck the bar, while Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley squandered late opportunities. However, the Magpies failed to find the net, joining local rivals Sunderland as the only teams not to score against United this season.

The defeat dealt another blow to Newcastle’s hopes of a Champions League return, while United’s gritty win reinforced their push towards the top four.