Manchester United beat Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, impressively winning the clash despite missing a long list of starters.
On a cold December night at Old Trafford, Manchester United had a squad that, on paper, wasn’t Premier League quality, but Ruben Amorim got the win.
I was really impressed, having been concerned that a full-strength Newcastle night would be too much, but United were the better team in a 1-0 win.
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While there was a clear absence of midfield creativity, I was encouraged by the squad members who stepped up big time to claim the three points, with several United players impressing.
In particular, one player who has often been written off impressed me.
Patrick Dorgu looked the part for Manchester United at right wing
When the game started, it was clear United were playing what looked like a 4-2-3-1, but on the right wing was Patrick Dorgu, a concern given his struggles going forward.
However, Dorgu was among the best players on the pitch from the right, looking a lot more comfortable than he does on the left, with his awkward dribbling style seeing Newcastle struggle to shut him down.
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The highlight of the game for Dorgu came late in the first half, as he scored his first goal for the club, and it was a great strike.
He caught it on the volley as it dropped after a failed headed clearance, sticking it into the bottom corner, which I was left shocked by, not knowing he had this in his locker.
Dorgu also offered a lot defensively as he pressed well, won nine duels, and made five clearances, along with some big tackles when tracking back.
After the game, Bruno Fernandes praised Dorgu, clearly happy with how the number 13 played, as most fans were as well.
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After scoring against Newcastle, Dorgu now has two goal contributions in his last two games, coming at a perfect time, with his importance on the right wing huge without other options.
Dorgu arrived last January and was supposed to be Europe’s most exciting young full-back, but we haven’t seen a lot of this over the past year as he’s been very hot and cold.
However, after such a disappointing season thus far, he is beginning to step up and prove himself, with the new system a much better fit for his qualities.
Now he just needs to keep this up, and potentially his future is as a winger, opposed to full-back in his back four system.
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