Manchester United ended a winless run of three games at Old Trafford by defeating Newcastle United 1-0 in a tightly contested game with the Magpies struggling to get points from the away games in the Premier League.
With the Magpies only winning once in their last 12 away games in the league and the Red Devils being unbeaten at home on Boxing Day for almost 50 years, the home team were pretty much the favourites to win. Although a number of player injuries have resulted in a change of formation for the visitors’ side from Amorim, United got off to a nice start and Patrick Dorgu stood out in his less familiar right-wing role.
Both sides had early chances but the moment that made the difference was the goal when Dorgu finished a partially cleared throw-in with a great left-footed volley that went straight to the bottom corner and the goalkeeper might as well have been a statue. That goal sealed the first half that was very entertaining for the home fans and Newcastle by the time the interval were beginning to take control.
Newcastle came out of the dressing room and increased their pressure level and nearly scored from the crossbar and besides that United, were forced to defend more. Newcastle had the bulk of the possession and the advantage in the final stages and frequently went into the United box with crosses and long shots but their failure to finish the chances created was once more their undoing.
United defended well and as a result, took the full three points that put them in fifth spot on a temporary basis. The Newcastle boss, Eddie Howe will be lamenting his team’s missed opportunities as the away trip once again resulted in disappointment.
