Who can’t do without Bruno? Dorgu’s masterclass sent the Magpies packing from Old Trafford

Many Premier League fans were disappointed by the decision to stage only one match on Boxing Day — the clash between Manchester United and Newcastle. Still, that game had plenty to offer, and despite the lack of goals, it delivered an entertaining contest full of attractive moves, two shots off the crossbar, and a victory for Ruben Amorim’s team.

Manchester United went into the break with a 1–0 lead against Newcastle after a lively first half at Old Trafford, in which the hosts created the clearer chances and could have been further ahead.

United signaled their intent early. In the 3rd minute, Casemiro found himself completely unmarked on the edge of the six-yard box following a corner, but the midfielder failed to keep his effort down and fired over the crossbar.

The opening 10 minutes were dominated by the Red Devils, who enjoyed more possession and fluency in attack. One of those early moves ended with Benjamin Sesko taking a shot after a pass from Dorgu, though his effort drifted wide of Aaron Ramsdale’s goal.

Newcastle’s first real opportunity came in the 13th minute from a set piece. After Sandro Tonali’s corner, Miley rose above the United defense and headed goalward, only for Lammens to produce an excellent reflex save to keep the ball out. Moments later, Jacob Murphy had space to shoot from the edge of the area, but his attempt was blocked and went out for a corner.

The breakthrough arrived in the 24th minute. Matheus Cunha burst down the left flank and fired in a low shot from the edge of the box, which Ramsdale managed to save. However, United struck almost immediately afterward. Following a scramble inside the penalty area, the ball fell to Dorgu, who unleashed a superb volley to score his first goal in a Manchester United shirt and give the hosts a 1–0 lead at the Theatre of Dreams.

Dorgu remained at the heart of the action. In the 28th minute, he nearly doubled United’s advantage when what appeared to be a cross almost turned into a lob, forcing Ramsdale to react sharply. Six minutes later, the Danish winger was again denied after receiving the ball on the right and driving a powerful shot toward goal, with Ramsdale once more coming out on top.

The second half at Old Trafford opened up significantly, with chances at both ends and the woodwork repeatedly denying goals in an increasingly frantic contest.

Early after the restart, Manchester United had a brief scare in the 51st minute. Fabian Schar’s shot took a deflection off Patrick Dorgu and nearly ended up as an own goal, but Lammens reacted brilliantly to keep the ball out and preserve United’s lead.

United came close to extending their advantage in the 60th minute when a mistake in Newcastle’s defense gifted Benjamin Sesko a clear opportunity. The striker struck the ball well, but his effort crashed against the crossbar.

Just two minutes later, Newcastle responded with two huge chances of their own. Lewis Hall was at the center of both moments, first smashing a powerful shot against the crossbar before finding himself in another promising position shortly afterward, only to fail to convert.

Newcastle continued to push forward. In the 68th minute, Anthony Gordon worked space for a shot after receiving a precise pass, but his attempt drifted wide to the left. United threatened again in the 73rd minute when Diogo Dalot controlled a long, high ball superbly and went through one-on-one with Aaron Ramsdale, only to blaze his finish over the crossbar.

The visitors kept searching for an equaliser late on. Gordon created another opening in the 80th minute with a sharp run down the left before cutting the ball back to Joelinton, whose weak effort was comfortably gathered by Lammens. Five minutes later, Newcastle fashioned one last chance as Barnes and Woltemade combined neatly, but the German’s shot lacked composure and flew high over the goal.

PREMIER LEAGUE - MATCHDAY 18

Friday

Manchester United - Newcastle 1-0 (1-0)

/Dorgu 24/

Saturday

15.30: (5.60) Nottingham Forest (3.90) Manchester City (1.62)

18.00: (1.42) Arsenal (4.50) Brighton (7.75)

18.00: (2.30) Brentford (3.45) Bournemouth (3.05)

18.00: (4.00) Burnley (3.35) Everton (2.00)

18.00: (1.23) Liverpool (6.50) Wolverhampton (12.0)

18.00: (2.70) West Ham (3.35) Fulham (2.65)

20.30: (1.90) Chelsea (3.50) Aston Villa (4.10)

Sunday

17.00: (2.60) Sunderland (3.15) Leeds (2.85)

19.30: (2.35) Crystal Palace (3.35) Tottenham (3.05)

***odds are subject to change***