Man Utd player ratings vs Newcastle: Rare 4-2-3-1 switch & three stars get 9/10s but one 3/10 must be dropped now
Manchester United registered a gritty 1-0 Premier League victory over Newcastle United at Old Trafford on Boxing Day.
United manager Ruben Amorim made only two changes to the side that had lost 2–1 to Aston Villa last weekend.
However, he sprang a Christmas surprise by deploying his team in a 4-3-2-1 formation for the first time, both with and without possession.
The Red Devils took a one-goal lead into the break, courtesy of a world-class volley from Patrick Dorgu.
It was a game of two halves for United.
They looked fluent in attack in the first half, but were content to sit deep and defend after the interval.
Newcastle dominated possession in the second half but rarely tested Senne Lammens.
With this victory, the Red Devils climbed to fifth place in the Premier League table.
Player Ratings
Senne Lammens – 8/10
Lammens reacted sharply at his near post to deny Bruno Guimaraes from a corner early on. He made a mess of things late in the half, but his defence bailed him out.
He did well to claim high balls in the last few minutes and truly deserved his second United clean sheet.
Diogo Dalot – 5/10
He should have put United 2-0 ahead in the second half but send his shot well over the bar. Lost his footing numerous times against Anthony Gordon.
Ayden Heaven – 9/10
Despite being left-footed, he started on the right side of defence and oozed calmness and composure from the very first minute.
Heaven defended his box superbly late in the game and looks like a seriously talented defender already. Arsenal may well come to regret letting him go so early.
Lisandro Martinez – 9/10
An outstanding maiden start of the campaign for the Argentine international.
He was imperious in defence, inventive in possession, and even chipped in with chance creation before leaving the pitch to a rapturous ovation when substituted.
Luke Shaw – 7/10
Another solid performance from the 30-year-old, this time at left-back.
He quietly made a strong case for a place on the plane with England for the World Cup next year.
Casemiro – 7/10
Provided stability to the midfield by sitting deep, allowing those around him to flourish.
Manuel Ugarte – 8/10
A much-needed redemption for Manuel Ugarte and comfortably his best performance in a United shirt for some time.
With Casemiro alongside him, he was given the licence to press aggressively and win the ball, exactly where his strengths lie.
Patrick Dorgu – 9/10
Deployed on the right wing, Dorgu showcased explosive dynamism and athleticism rarely seen from him before.
His thunderous strike fired United into the lead, and he emptied the tank defensively, embodying total commitment on both ends of the pitch.
Mason Mount – 6/10
Almost produced a brilliant Fernandes-esque through ball for Ugarte, but was unfortunate to be forced off at half-time after picking up yet another injury.
Matheus Cunha – 7/10
Ran the show in the first half with his dangerous ball-carrying runs from the left flank. He played with real swagger but must learn to be less selfish in the final third.
Benjamin Sesko – 7/10
He should have done better with an early chance created by Dorgu, but struck the post with his final touch of the game.
Sesko’s exceptional work rate stood out and embodied exactly what Amorim demands from his striker.
Substitutes
Jack Fletcher – 6/10
The 18-year-old came on at the break in place of Mount. He made some rookie mistakes with the ball at his feet and will undergo a learning phase just like any other youngster.
Joshua Zirkzee – 3/10
A night to forget. He looked slippery in all the wrong ways, losing almost every physical duel and repeatedly surrendering possession. It was one of the poorest substitute appearances
Leny Yoro – 5/10
Struggled against Gordon but that was largely because Amorim deployed him in an unfamiliar right-back role.
Tyrell Malacia – NA
Too late to rate.
Tyler Fredricson – NA
Too late to rate.
Article written by Sanidhya Bhardwaj .