Winger Patrick Dorgu shot Manchester United to victory over Newcastle with a volley. National player Nick Woltemade was ineffective for the guests at the start of the 18th Premier League matchday and did not have a nice “Boxing Day” on Friday evening.
With United making it 1-0 (1-0), Dorgu’s goal from the first round in the 24th minute (minute of the game) ultimately decided the entertaining game. While Manchester was superior in the first half, Newcastle pushed for an equalizer, especially in the last half hour.
However, the Red Devils’ defense held up, so United achieved their eighth win of the season – and distanced themselves from Newcastle in the table. Manchester is at least temporarily in fifth place with 29 points, while the guests in eleventh place continue to rank in the gray middle of the table (23 points).
United start more powerfully
With the previously rather hapless ex-Leipzig player Benjamin Sesko in the starting line-up, United started powerfully. Casemiro, new to the team to replace the injured Bruno Fernandes, should have scored with a header in the third minute, but his attempt from close range missed the target. But United stuck with it, Sesko himself had a good opportunity from the turn, but the Slovenian’s shot also missed the goal (11th).
The deserved lead for the home team came from Woltemade’s clearing action. The almost two meter tall striker headed a long throw in from his own six-yard box. Because Newcastle’s defense was too sleepy, Dorgu was allowed to volley – and welded the ball into the near corner from 15 meters. It was Dorgu’s first goal for United in the 38th game.
Full steam ahead into the short corner: The Dane Dorgu takes the lead
Manchester continued to act a little more dangerously and the conspicuous Dorgu could have increased the score again (34′). Former Leipzig player Matheus Cunha also had a dangerous finish, but his long-range shot went wide of the goal (36′). Newcastle put in an effort and were at times pleasant in combination play, but the final goal threat was missing. Woltemade was also barely visible in front of the goal.
Newcastle starts: Hall hits the crossbar
While Woltemade remained quite inconspicuous after the break and was eventually substituted, his team showed a different face in the second half: the Magpies now played with more pressure and determination. Furthermore, Manchester, which defended passionately, was difficult to break down, meaning that opportunities did not arise every minute. However, things got really dicey for the first time before United’s goal in the middle of the second half.
The strong left-back Lewis Hall fires a long-range shot that hits the crossbar (62′), shortly afterwards Lisandro Martinez blocks Fabian Schär’s shot in the penalty area with his hand. Because United’s defender had previously received the ball to his chest, there was no penalty, even if the guests complained vehemently.
Distance attempt: Lewis Hall pulls away with his strong left
The Magpies, for whom German international Malick Thiaw played a good game in central defense, remained clearly the more active team until the end. Coach Eddie Howe’s team didn’t succeed in everything, but his team ran tirelessly and created chances to score, bringing a number of crosses into the box.
Manchester United has the necessary fortune
However, the Magpies rarely found their final players there. Anthony Gordon was cleared five minutes before the end, but when good chances like this arose, Newcastle just weren’t focused on the point: Gordon put the ball clearly over from 13 meters. Youngster Lewis Miley also lacked any coolness when he shot over the goal from close range (90th+1).
In the end, United celebrated a victory that was not undeserved because the hosts defended strongly and managed their lead cleanly with a dream goal. Nevertheless, in view of the increased chances for Newcastle, it was also clear: the bit of luck that United had often not had in the recent past was with the home team that evening.