Check out our player ratings from Manchester United’s Boxing Day clash with Newcastle.
Manchester United have beaten Newcastle 1-0, keeping a rare clean sheet with an impressive defensive performance.
Patrick Dorgu scored his first goal for the club in the first half, as an injury-hit Manchester United battled against a blunt Newcastle team.
Already without several key players, Mason Mount needed to be substituted at half-time seemingly with injury, and United ended the game with a very experienced back four.
Yes, you read that right, back four. Ruben Amorim tweaked his system, and he will be pleased with the outcome and effort from his team.
Here is a look at how we rated the players…
Who was the Manchester United man of the match vs Newcastle? ⭐
Let us know your choice and why!
Senne Lammens – 8
Important early saves from close range, Senne Lammens was a calming presence and did everything Manchester United needed from him. Great to see him come off his line and claiming crosses.
Ayden Heaven – 8
A professional centre-back performance from the youngster, always in the right place at the right time inside the box.
Luke Shaw – 6
Needed to be strong on set pieces, Shaw was always alert in a return to his natural left-back role. Needed to do more going forward.
Man Utd have beaten Newcastle 1-0 – What is your INSTANT REACTION?
What did you think of Ruben Amorim's new system?
Lisandro Martinez – 8
Manchester United’s captain for the night, Lisandro Martinez was making his first start since February. He gave Nick Woltemade no space and put in a leader’s performance.
He threw himself at everything and just about evaded a penalty shout for a handball. He was taken off for the final few minutes.
Lisandro Martinez was named captain with Bruno Fernandes injured
Do you like the decision from Ruben Amorim? Let us know what you think of his performance
Diogo Dalot – 6
Dalot had a good test from Anthony Gordon early on, and generally coped pretty well. He had a great chance on the 73rd minute when he shot over the bar from close range.
Patrick Dorgu – 9
Patrick Dorgu‘s best game in a Manchester United shirt. Eager to get crosses in and take shots at goal, everything came easier to the Dane on his natural right foot. His goal was an absolute treat.
He was a constant threat and relieved pressure well in the second half. A strong defensive contribution too.
Is Patrick Dorgu better on the right?
Patrick Dorgu scored his first ever Man Utd goal vs Newcastle!
Casemiro – 7
Outstanding. Casemiro was important defensively from set pieces, and dropped in to help the defence frequently.
He looked surprised when he was was substituted after 60 minutes, and we were pretty shocked too.
Manuel Ugarte – 7
Helped to keep things solid, clearly enjoys playing alongside Casemiro, rather than being asked to fill his shoes.
Matheus Cunha – 8
United’s biggest threat, he had Newcastle panicking every time he got the ball. Always looking to make something happen, Cunha stepped up in Fernandes’ absence.
Mason Mount – 6.5
Mason Mount put in a confident performance, the type you would expect from a senior attacking player. He dropped deep and was eager to get involved.
However, he was substituted at half-time, suggesting he may have suffered yet another injury.
Benjamin Sesko – 6.5
Sesko’s link play and composure outside the box was excellent at times. Inside the box he is far too hesitant.
He hit the crossbar with his final touch, and he will reflect that he really should have scored after finding space inside the box.
Subs
Jack Fletcher – 5
Brought on at half-time for Mason Mount. Struggled to get into the game, but did create one chance late on after winning a battle in midfield.
Leny Yoro – 6
Did not put a foot wrong when he came on for the final 30 minutes. Excellent late interception inside the box.
Joshua Zirkzee – 4
No real goal threat and lost his duels too easily when competing against Newcastle’s centre-backs.
Tyler Fredricson – N/A
Tasked with a big responsibility for the final few minutes, replacing Martinez.
Tyrell Malacia – N/A
Remember him? Tyrell Malacia came on to make his first Manchester United appearance since 2025.
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