MANCHESTER UNITED have scored more set piece goals than any other team in the Premier League this season… including Arsenal.
The Red Devils defeated Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
Patrick Dorgu‘s first half volley was enough to see Ruben Amorim‘s side squeeze past the Toon.
The Dane, who featured as a right winger after Ruben Amorim dramatically ditched his 3-4-3 formation for a 4-2-3-1, volleyed home following a long throw.
According to the BBC, this was United’s 13th set piece goal of the season, excluding penalties.
This puts them top of the set play pile in the Prem.
Arsenal have become renowned for their set piece prowess in both boxes during recent campaigns.
Declan Rice and Bukayo Saka both possess wicked deliveries, while Gabriel in particular is a huge threat in the box.
Gunners set piece coach Nicolas Jover has also gathered plenty of attention during this period, and can often be seen striding into the technical area as his side are about to take, or face, a free-kick or corner.
Per WhoScored, Arsenal have 10 set piece goals in the Premier League this season – placing them behind Man Utd.
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Casemiro in particular is a menace as United attack corners, having scored four goals this season.
But the Brazilian was taken off on the hour mark of the Newcastle match by Amorim, and looked particularly perplexed as his number was raised.
At this point, Amorim did pivot away from his back four – virtually creating a back six with Diogo Dalot, Leny Yoro, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Luke Shaw and Dorgu all on the pitch.
The Portuguese then perplexed Gary Neville further in the closing stages by taking off his two most experienced defenders in Shaw and Martinez and replacing them with Tyler Fredicson and Tyrell Malacia.
United’s plan just about worked, as they somehow managed to keep Newcastle out.
Asked about his formation change by Sky Sports after the match, Amorim said: “I felt that was the only way to create more danger, to have more opportunities by playing a back four with a lot of guys inside.”
And on Dorgu’s change of position, the former Sporting boss added: “You put him in one position that is more in front, the responsibilities are not the same, and he has more freedom to lose the ball.
“I think it helped Patrick to play better.”
Man Utd will return to action on Tuesday as they host doomed Wolves.
Amorim’s men will then be back on the road on January 4, as they make the short trip to Leeds.
