Amorim admits Man Utd endured hardship to claim Newcastle victory
Ruben Amorim acknowledged that Manchester United were lucky to secure a 1-0 win against Newcastle on Friday, yet he highlighted how his depleted team demonstrated remarkable determination to endure a fierce second-half barrage.
Without injured skipper Bruno Fernandes and also missing Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo because of the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim had to make significant adjustments.
Patrick Dorgu featured in an unusual position on the right flank and the Danish player netted his debut goal for United, earning Amorim's side their first home triumph in eight weeks.
Following a solid opening 45 minutes, the Red Devils spent nearly the whole second half in defensive mode.
Nevertheless, they maintained just their second shutout of the campaign, even as Newcastle controlled 67 percent of the ball and unleashed 16 attempts on target.
"Everyone in the stadium had to endure it collectively," Amorim commented.
"We performed well in the first half, and then in the second, we focused on defending while seeking opportunities to counter.
"This was a solid result, though I have had numerous matches here where we dominated but failed to earn the points. Today it was different, we battled as one and clinched the victory."
The success propels United to fifth in the Premier League table, matching points with Chelsea in fourth.
A position in the top five should suffice for Champions League qualification next season, given the robust performances by English clubs in this years European tournaments.
However, Newcastles aspirations for a Champions League comeback are dwindling, hampered by their poor record on the road.
Eddie Howes squad occupies 11th place, with only one league win from nine away fixtures this term.
"The second half improved greatly over the first, yet we fell short. We needed to push harder," Howe remarked.
"We dominated the latter period, and I believed that if we found the net, we might have turned it into a win, but it was not to be."