![\"MANCHESTER,](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/ie\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/12\/0023ac91-614.jpg\"\/)
\nLisandro Martinez blows kisses to the fans as he comes off the pitch<\/p>\n
Patrick Dorgu opened his Manchester United account in spectacular fashion as the makeshift right winger’s rasping volley sealed a much-needed Old Trafford victory against Newcastle.<\/p>\n
The Red Devils went into the Premier League\u2019s only St Stephen’s Day fixture without a home win in two months and missing seven first-team players, including talisman Bruno Fernandes.<\/p>\n
But Ruben Amorim\u2019s rejigged side rallied as they started with a back four and dug deep at the end to secure a 1-0 triumph courtesy of Dorgu\u2019s delightful volley as the wing-back impressed on the right wing.<\/p>\n
It was an impressive all-action display by the versatile Denmark international, whose manager last month admitted he could “feel the anxiety” every time he touched the ball.<\/p>\n
There were no such concerns on Friday evening as Dorgu followed his first-half strike with some impressive defensive contributions as United kept just their second clean sheet of the season.<\/p>\n
Lewis Hall struck the crossbar as Newcastle pushed strongly for a leveller, with Eddie Howe\u2019s side tasting more disappointment on the road.<\/p>\n
United reverted to a back five for the closing stages of a match that began with Lisandro Martinez in a central defensive two and wearing the captain\u2019s armband as he made his first start in 327 days.<\/p>\n
The hosts\u2019 other alteration Casemiro went close with an early header and Newcastle initially struggled to get to grips with Amorim\u2019s altered approach.<\/p>\n
Benjamin Sesko should have done better than balloon wide on the turn after fine work by Dorgu, but the Magpies would settle.<\/p>\n
Senne Lammens had to be alert to stop Bruno Guimaraes\u2019 near-post nod from a corner, with the hosts having to swat away other half-chances during a dicey spell.<\/p>\n
Amorim\u2019s men held firm and a smart Sesko flick to Matheus Cunha helped swing the game in their favour, with Aaron Ramsdale beating away the Brazilian\u2019s drive before the ball was hacked out of play.<\/p>\n
\nLisandro Martinez blows kisses to the fans as he comes off the pitch<\/p>\n
Diogo Dalot sent over the resulting throw-in and Nick Woltemade\u2019s headed clearance looped high, with Dorgu racing onto the ball hitting a crisp volley that flew home.<\/p>\n
Ramsdale got a hand to the strike but could not stop it from finding the net, although Newcastle\u2019s goalkeeper would prevent him from a threatening cross-shot and then a low strike.<\/p>\n
Cunha lasered wide of the near post before a half-time break that Mason Mount did not return from. Jack Fletcher, son of United favourite Darren, came on for his home debut.<\/p>\n
The Old Trafford side stumbled out the blocks, just as they did in their last home game against Bournemouth, and Fabian Schar saw a strike deflect wide off Dorgu.<\/p>\n
Newcastle were in control and bossing possession, only for Guimaraes to be robbed and Sesko to be put in to rifle off the crossbar.<\/p>\n
The striker was brought off straight after, along with a surprised Casemiro, and the woodwork was soon rattled at the other end as Hall\u2019s dipping effort from distance that beat Lammens came off the bar.<\/p>\n
Hall looked a threat and Newcastle hoped to be awarded a penalty for handball against Martinez from a Schar strike, but the VAR decided against it after a lengthy review.<\/p>\n
Anthony Gordon hit a low strike across the face of goal and Newcastle continued to knock at the door as United moved to a more familiar back five.<\/p>\n
Dalot hit the Stretford End rather than the net after bringing down a quickly-taken Martinez free-kick as the hosts attempted to see out victory.<\/p>\n
Amorim\u2019s side were penned back as Newcastle attempted to find a gap, with balls defended strongly and Lewis Miley slamming wide as the match entered stoppage time.<\/p>\n