Dorgu Volley Lifts Manchester United Past Newcastle At Old Trafford
A moment of brilliance from Patrick Dorgu proved decisive as Manchester United edged Newcastle United 1-0 at Old Trafford, climbing into the top five after a disciplined and hard fought Premier League display.
Manchester United returned to winning ways in the Premier League after Patrick Dorgu’s superb first half volley secured a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Friday night at Old Trafford.
The hosts started with confidence despite the absence of Bruno Fernandes, moving the ball sharply through midfield with Mason Mount and Matheus Cunha finding space between the lines. United’s intent was clear early on, with Benjamin Sesko and Dorgu testing Newcastle’s back line through quick combinations and early crosses.
The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute from a long throw situation. Diogo Dalot hurled the ball into the box, where Nick Woltemade failed to clear decisively, allowing the ball to drop invitingly on the edge of the area. Dorgu reacted first, striking a perfectly timed left footed volley that flew past Aaron Ramsdale and into the net for a goal worthy of winning any match.
Newcastle struggled to respond before the interval, relying mainly on set pieces that were comfortably dealt with by Senne Lammens and a well organised United defence. At the break, United held a deserved lead despite a relatively modest expected goals return.
The second half saw a shift in momentum as Eddie Howe’s side pushed forward with greater urgency. Substitutes injected fresh energy, and Newcastle began to create chances through Lewis Miley and Lewis Hall. Hall came agonisingly close to an equaliser when his powerful effort crashed against the underside of the crossbar, while Lammens was forced into several key interventions to preserve the lead.
Manchester United also had opportunities to extend their advantage on the counter. Dalot squandered a gilt edged chance after getting in behind the defence, while Sesko struck the woodwork following a swift transition that caught Newcastle exposed.
As the clock ticked down, Newcastle piled on late pressure, sending crosses into the box and forcing United deep into their own half. Lammens held his nerve in stoppage time, recovering well after briefly spilling a dangerous cross to deny the visitors a late breakthrough.
When the final whistle sounded, United’s resilience was rewarded with all three points, despite finishing with a slightly lower expected goals tally than Newcastle. The win lifts Ruben Amorim’s side to fifth place in the table ahead of a meeting with Wolves, while Newcastle remain 11th and will look to respond in their next fixture against Burnley.
