PATRICK DORGU’S wonder strike saw Manchester United beat Newcastle 1-0 on Boxing Day after surviving a second-half surge.
The 21-year-old’s explosive volley catapulted United up to fifth in the Premier League table, with Eddie Howe‘s side languishing back in 11th.
Ruben Amorim surprised everyone when United started in a 4-2-3-1 formation with Dorgu playing as the right winger.
The back-four gave United more balance, with Dorgu’s role in the front-line allowing the midfield pairing of Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte to sit deeper.
It was a successful ruse after warming up with a back-three and missing seven players, including captain Bruno Fernandes, through injury before kick-off.
United survived a late Newcastle siege to claim victory, despite a strange finale that saw the hosts field six defenders after bizarre changes from the bench.
Here’s how SunSport’s Katherine Walsh rated Amorim’s players as United finally won at home for the first time since October 25.
Senne Lammens – 6
Got down at his near post to save an attempt from a corner and survived an onslaught at his goal in the second-half.
Saved twice from Joelinton in the closing stages and caught a long Guimaraes ball into the box to relieve pressure in stoppage time. A first clean sheet since October 4.
Luke Shaw – 6
Delivered a powerful long throw from the left to the Magpies’ area which was headed clear out to Dorgu for the opener.
Provided the width from left-back first half and did a decent job in his own half after half-time. Only player to have started every Premier League game this season.
Lisandro Martinez – 7
The stand-in skipper led the defence well to keep his first Premier League shut-out since January 26.
Perhaps got away with one after a handball in the second half but pivotal in repelling Newcastle’s crosses.
Ayden Heaven – 7
An outstanding performance from the teenager, who looked settled and calm on the ball after a strong game against Villa last time out.
Was aggressive when Newcastle played into the frontline and headed everything clear in the absence of injured veterans Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire.
Diogo Dalot – 6
A chameleon again. After a decent first-half at right-back, the Portugal international was pushed up to right wing, as Dorgu moved across in front of Shaw.
From nothing, Dalot got in behind the Newcastle defence from a free-kick but spurned a difficult shot over the bar a chance to give United breathing space.
Patrick Dorgu – 8
Channelled Robin van Persie with an explosive volley to take the lead and open his United account on his 38th club appearance. His best performance in a red shirt since joining in January.
His last four domestic goals have come as a right winger, having played there on several occasions for Lecce before his Old Trafford move.
Continuing the momentum from his performance at Villa, the Dane showed he has taken Amorim’s “anxiety” criticism on board, coming close to doubling United’s advantage. Got back in his defensive duties as the Toon probed late on.
Manuel Ugarte – 6
The formation change worked well for Ugarte, who was better in his deeper role with less onus on him to provide creativity.
Casemiro – 6
Like Ugarte, Casemiro benefitted from the system change to offer more protection to the back four.
Looked perplexed when Amorim ushered him off for Joshua Zirkzee in a series of strange subs on the hour mark as United went to 4-4-2.
Mason Mount – 7
An engine again, winning the ball back superbly high up in Newcastle‘s half and found dangerous spaces in the middle.
But the £60m man suffered yet another heartbreaking injury set-back after failing to re-emerge from the dressing room at half-time.
Matheus Cunha – 6
The Brazilian, who scored for Wolves against United on Boxing Day last year, is so dangerous with space to run into and brushed Lewis Miley aside on several occasions.
Had a more frustrating second-half after the final balls did not go his way. Booked for a daft late challenge in stoppage-time.
Benjamin Sesko – 6
A better showing. The Slovenian looked sharp and held the ball up well, pairing better with Cunha and Mount in the first-half.
Should have done better with an early chance on the spin. Thundered the ball against the bar and was replaced by Leny Yoro immediately after.
SUBS
Jack Fletcher (for Mount ’46) – 6
The 18-year-old held his own after replacing an injured Mount at the break.
