Man Utd 1-0 Newcastle: Patrick Dorgu’s debut strike sends Red Devils fifth

Manchester United returned back to winning ways, securing a narrow 1-0 victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Friday night.

In the opening three minutes of the game, Casemiro could’ve given the host the early lead after he met Mason Mount’s inswinger cross from a corner, but the Brazilian sent his effort well over the bar.

At the other end, Anthony Gordon delivered a cross from the corner to the near post for Bruno Guimaraes to meet from close range, but his header was parried away by Senne Lammens.

Moments later, Matheus Cunha drove at his marker into the Magpies’ area before unleashing a low shot, but Aaron Ramsdale was equal to the task.

Patrick Dorgu broke the deadlock in the 24th minute after he volleyed home Nick Woltemade’s clearance for his first Premier League goal.

Minutes later, Dorgu had his sights on goal for his second when he was found in space by Cunha, but the Dane’s effort was denied by Ramsdale.

Ruben Amorim made one change at the break, bringing on Jack Fletcher for Mount.

The visitors bossed possession early on in the second half and almost drew level after Fabian Schar’s header at the back post deflected behind for a corner.

Just past the hour mark, Benjamin Sesko struck the top of the crossbar after Ugarte dispossessed Guimaraes to set him through on goal.

At the other end, Lewis Hall could have drawn the Magpies level, but the Englishman hit the frame of the goal from range.

In the 64th minute, the visitors appealed for a penalty after the ball came off Lisandro Martinez’s chest and then into his arms, but after a VAR review, referee Anthony Taylor waved away the appeals.

Gordon was the next to have his sights at goal after he was found beautifully by Jacob Murphy, but the winger dragged his effort wide.

Diogo Dalot could’ve doubled the Red Devils’ advantage in the 73rd minute after Martinez found him with a long ball from a free kick, but the Portuguese blasted his effort wide from close range.

The Magpies continued to search for an equaliser, with Joelinton testing Lammens next from the edge of the area.

Moments later, Gordon could’ve restored parity after he was found in the box by Harvey Barnes, but again the Englishman sent his effort into the stands.

Newcastle continued to mount pressure on United for an equaliser but couldn’t get it, and the Red Devils secured a hard-fought victory which moves them up to fifth in the Premier League standings.