Man Utd won 1-0 against Newcastle in the Premier League on Boxing Day and here are the moments you might have missed.Newcastle’s analysts were animated.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)

Manchester United won 1-0 against Newcastle in the Premier League on Boxing Day. United opened the scoring in the 24th minute through a brilliant Patrick Dorgu goal, which was the difference at the break. Newcastle started the second half as the better team and came close to equalising, hitting the crossbar, but United defended bravely to see out a victory, which means they move to fifth in the table. Here are the moments you might have missed….

Confused Newcastle staff

Amorim sprang a surprise with his system in the 4-4 draw against Bournemouth earlier this month and he tweaked his tactics again on Boxing Day, starting the match with a 4-2-3-1 shape.

The biggest surprise was Dorgu’s position, as he started practically on the right wing. The Newcastle analysts in the press box sounded and looked confused as they deliberated among themselves.

Amorim has been wedded to the 3-4-3 formation for most of his tenure, but he is finally tweaking his approach depending on the opponent, which can only be a positive. The United boss has shown a willingness to change, and the reaction from Newcastle’s analysts proves why it’s worth being adaptable.

Newcastle struggled to get to grips with the shape in the opening exchanges. They eventually adapted and warmed to the contest, but it’s encouraging to see Amorim tweaking his tactics game by game.

Amorim altered his system again when he made a double change in the second half. Then Newcastle’s analysts were overheard questioning whether Dalot was the right-sided winger. Amorim famously said not even the Pope could persuade him to change his tactics, but that stance has softened.

Dorgu’s confidence boost

Dorgu had scored just 12 goals in his career before facing Newcastle, so it’s likely his wonderful volley from the edge of the box to fire United into the lead was his finest strike so far.

The Denmark international savoured every second of the celebrations, but he was hungry for more after the restart, demanding the ball from his teammates at every possible opportunity.

Dorgu frantically waved his arms to receive the ball in the 27th minute before looping a shot over the bar. Just moments later, he wildy gestured at Luke Shaw to pass it to him from the opposite wing.

It’s funny what confidence can do to a player. Dorgu looked like a new signing and delivered the kind of performance that he must produce consistently to nail down a regular starting role.

Cunha worked his socks off

Matheus Cunha had an opportunity to extend United’s advantage with 10 minutes remaining, but his shot was sent wide of the post at the Stretford End, to the relief of Aaron Ramsdale.

Cunha was slumped on the turf and looked like he had nothing else in the tank. The forward had worked tirelessly throughout the game, and he took his time to get back to his feet.

There were suggestions that Cunha’s work rate could be an issue before his arrival from Wolves in the summer transfer window. Some pundits suggested he would not provide adequate defensive cover. Cunha has made that look stupid in just a few months in Manchester – he runs his socks off each game.

Casemiro passion

Dorgu didn’t just contribute in the final third against Newcastle, he worked back and provided defensive cover, which saw him make one of the tackles of the game on Lewis Hall.

It was a brilliant challenge, which provoked a roar from the Stretford End. Dorgu also received appreciation from his teammates. Diogo Dalot slapped his back, and Casemiro pushed him as if to say ‘more of that’.

The crowd lapped up Casemiro’s interaction. The Brazilian received praise from Amorim during the pre-Newcastle press conference and it will be difficult to find a replacement with a similar mentality next summer, but logic dictates it’s the right decision to allow Casemiro to leave after the expiry of his contract.

Fletcher in the directors’ box

United included brothers on the bench for the first time in 12 years against Newcastle, with Amorim naming Jack Fletcher and Tyler Fletcher in the squad. Jack was handed his debut against Aston Villa, and he was joined by his twin brother, Tyler, who made his first Premier League matchday squad.

Darren Fletcher, their father, looked proud as punch in the directors’ box. It was a special moment to have both brothers in the squad, and the occasion became even sweeter when Jack came onto the pitch.

Mason Mount was brought off at the interval – seemingly due to an injury – and Fletcher was introduced. His father was on his feet and applauding following the final whistle.