Dorgus strike secures victory for short handed Manchester United over Newcastle

Patrick Dorgus initial goal for Manchester United clinched a narrow 1-0 victory against Newcastle for the understrength team boosting Ruben Amorims squad to fifth position in the Premier League.

Missing their leader Bruno Fernandes through injury along with Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo sidelined for the Africa Cup of Nations Amorims tactical shift for Dorgu proved effective.

The Danish player struck cleanly with his left foot on a high bouncing ball to net the decisive goal worsening Newcastles poor record on the road even though the away team controlled much of the second period.

Securing their first victory at home in eight weeks United now match points with Chelsea in fourth place whereas Newcastle sit in 11th.

Following several encouraging displays that yielded no points lately United this time prevailed despite needing to defend stoutly for their second shutout of the campaign.

To cope with Fernandes absence Amorim abandoned his favoured 3-4-3 setup in favour of a four man defence pushing Dorgu forward on the right of a trio supporting striker Benjamin Sesko.

Dorgu notched his debut United goal almost a year on from his move from Lecce.

A clearance from Diogo Dalots delivery hung in the air allowing the 21 year old to volley beyond Aaron Ramsdale in the 24th minute.

Newcastle manager Eddie Howe adjusted his lineup early to counter Uniteds strong opening.

However Howe has found it tough this season to fix the Magpies dismal results away from home.

Newcastle have only triumphed twice in 12 away fixtures across all tournaments away from Tyneside.

Ramsdale thwarted Dorgu from doubling his tally right before the break during another swift United break.

Still Amorims attacking choices suffered further when Mason Mount stayed in the dressing room at half time.

Jack Fletcher offspring of ex United player Darren Fletcher debuted at Old Trafford.

Newcastle spotted a chance and kept United trapped in their defensive third for nearly all of the second half yet failed to capitalise.

Amorim altered his formation again to shift momentum but substituting Casemiro left the midfielder puzzled.

Even with scant opportunities to advance United created two major openings to seal the result.

Sesko struck the crossbar from a tight angle while Dalot fired over after Lisandro Martinezs free kick found him.

Lewis Hall hit the woodwork with Newcastles finest attempt.

Anthony Gordon and Lewis Miley both skied efforts high following clever build up that opened the United defence.

Yet Newcastle became the second team after local foes Sunderland to fail to score against United this term dealing another setback to their Champions League aspirations for next season.