United win on Boxing Day without Bruno

Manchester United secured a vital Premier League victory on Boxing Day, defeating Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford despite the absence of their regular captain, Bruno Fernandes. Patrick Dorgu’s first-half strike proved decisive, propelling United to fifth place in the league standings under the guidance of manager Rúben Amorim.

The Red Devils, who fielded a significantly altered line-up, made strategic adjustments that paid off. For the first time this season, Amorim abandoned his usual 3-4-3 formation in favour of a 4-2-3-1 system, deploying the Danish youngster Patrick Dorgu on the right wing. Lisandro Martínez, returning to the starting XI, assumed the captain’s armband in Fernandes’ absence due to injury, marking his first start of the campaign.

The breakthrough came in the 24th minute. Newcastle defender Nick Altamade attempted to clear a long throw from Diogo Dalot, but Dorgu was perfectly positioned inside the box and struck a left-footed volley into the bottom-left corner of the net. It was Dorgu’s first goal for Manchester United and proved to be the match-winner.

Newcastle increased the tempo in the second half, launching wave after wave of attacks to pressure the home side. Bruno Guimarães, Joelinton, and Lewis Hall’s efforts were consistently thwarted by goalkeeper Sène Lamenç and a resolute United defence. In the 67th minute, Newcastle appealed for a penalty after the ball struck Martínez’s hand, but following a VAR review, the referee denied the claim.

Despite late pressure from the visitors, United held firm to claim all three points, maintaining momentum ahead of the busy festive schedule.

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This victory highlights United’s tactical adaptability and the emergence of Dorgu as a promising attacking option, signalling a potential shift in the team’s approach for the remainder of the season.