Manchester United, despite being hampered by a string of absences, managed to eke out a hard-fought 1-0 victory against Newcastle United at Old Trafford. Patrick Dorgu’s stunning first-half volley proved to be the decisive factor, propelling the hosts back into the Premier League’s top five.

The Red Devils were already struggling, missing key figures in their lineup due to injuries and international commitments. Notably absent was team captain Bruno Fernandes, amidst a total of seven sidelined senior players. The situation worsened as Mason Mount was compelled to exit the game at halftime, forcing manager Ruben Amorim to navigate the second half with a depleted squad.

Newcastle may have dominated possession, but it was Manchester United who seized the match’s pivotal moment. The breakthrough came when Diogo Dalot’s long throw-in was insufficiently cleared by the Newcastle defense, allowing Dorgu to pounce and deliver a breathtaking volley, marking his first goal for the club.

Dorgu delivers decisive moment

Despite Newcastle controlling possession, it was United who produced the game’s defining moment.

Patrick Dorgu opened his account for the club with a superb volley after Diogo Dalot’s long throw was only partially cleared.

Advancing confidently to the edge of the area, Dorgu met the dropping ball cleanly and guided an unstoppable effort beyond Aaron Ramsdale into the corner.

The goal provided United with a cushion they would spend much of the evening defending, as Newcastle struggled to convert territorial dominance into clear chances.

Missed chances and mounting pressure

Newcastle came closest to equalising when Lewis Hall unleashed a fierce strike that crashed down off the underside of the crossbar.

United also had opportunities to extend their lead, with Benjamin Šeško striking the bar and Dalot failing to keep his effort down when through on goal early in the second half.

As the match wore on, Newcastle committed numbers forward, pinning United deep inside their own half for long periods.

United hold firm as Newcastle falter

The hosts, however, remained disciplined and organised, repelling sustained late pressure to record only their second clean sheet of the league season.