Manchester United produced a stirring performance to beat Newcastle on Boxing Day. Let’s break down the winners and losers.

Patrick Dorgu’s first half goal was enough to earn Manchester United three points against Newcastle. But that is only half the story.

A strong defensive performance saw the Red Devils keep a rare clean sheet, and there is plenty to discuss.

Here are our winners and losers from the match…

WINNERS

We have picked out an unprecedented 10 winners from the game…

Who was the Manchester United man of the match vs Newcastle? ⭐

Let us know your choice and why!

Dorgu has to the MOTM. That one goal he netted led to our win. Others created chances, Others, such as Cunha, and sesko, attempted scoring, but didn’t get to the back of the net. There were times that they were to make possible passes or assists that could lead to goals, but no.

Ruben Amorim

Ruben Amorim had a real swagger about him in his post-game interviews. He was clearly delighted to get back to winning ways at Old Trafford.

This was one of those nights where every decision Amorim made turned to gold.

From his decision to switch his system around, to giving Patrick Dorgu an extended run on the right. Even his early substitution of Casemiro actually worked, despite the player’s surprise.

Amorim’s late substitutions would have been a big topic of contention if United had dropped points, instead they can be forgotten now. Maybe they even helped?

This was a game that showed Amorim is learning to be adaptable, and considering the ongoing injury problems, he needs to be.

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Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu’s best ever Manchester United performance, and his first ever competitive goal for the Red Devils.

Dorgu timed the connection on his volley to perfection. It was a sumptuous goal that deserved to win any game.

The Dane looked more natural playing on the right, and he delivered a strong all-round performance that could revive his Manchester United career.

Is Patrick Dorgu better on the right?

Patrick Dorgu scored his first ever Man Utd goal vs Newcastle!

Think he’ll be switched back to the left as soon as Amad is back, but he was impressive on the right side. It’s clear Amorim favours a left-footer on the right flank – wonder if that means the end of Dalot…

I do not think there is any doubt that Dorgu’s performance tonight was his best in a United shirt. He has often looked very timid as LWB, but in today’s match it looked like he could bypass the entire Newcastle defence at any given moment!

Lisandro Martinez

Lisandro Martinez was making his first start of the season, after recovering from a torn ACL. He looked like he had never been away, putting in a typically full-on performance.

Martinez came through the game unscathed, while wearing the captain’s armband with Bruno Fernandes out injured.

United have missed Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt lately, but Martinez has made himself undroppable.

If United end up playing a back four more often, competition for places in the centre of defence is going to be intense.

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

Love Martinez he is a warrior leads by example and a fantastic skilful , fearless player. Always feel comfortable when he’s on the pitch.

We are very lucky to have the butcher back with us after an extended period out. Offered a calm, reliable head at the back. He will be a great mentor for Heaven

A fantastic performance as captain. Only his second time as captain in a United shirt, but he did us proud.

Ayden Heaven

Ayden Heaven was named the Sky Sports man of the match, and he was an absolute powerhouse at the back.

Heaven started the season on the sidelines and has had to wait for his chance. On the basis of this performance, he is undroppable.

He had a difficult game in the draw with Bournemouth, before improving against Aston Villa. This game emphasised his return to form.

What did you make of Ayden Heaven’s title race comments?

Ayden Heaven hinted that Manchester United could target the Premier League title after beating Newcastle United

Senne Lammens

Senne Lammens finally has a second clean sheet. The big Belgian was outstanding on his debut against Sunderland, and while he has played well since, United have had a habit of conceding goals.

There was no room for error at all in this game, and Lammens was key to United seeing out the 90 minutes plus stoppage time with a clean sheet.

He blocked everything that came at him, came out and claimed crosses, and was more comfortable with his feet than Andre Onana ever was.

What was your reaction when Tyrell Malacia came off the bench late?

💣From the ‘bomb squad’ to the pitch – did you ever think Malacia would play for United again?!

Tyrell Malacia

Back from the wilderness, Tyrell Malacia has finally gone from the ‘bomb squad’ to the first team.

Malacia came off the bench for the final few minutes to help United close out the win. It was a real show of trust from Ruben Amorim to use him in such circumstances.

Manuel Ugarte

Manuel Ugarte has been a bad luck charm for Manchester United this season. Every game he had started prior to this one, we had lost.

That unwanted record has now gone, and Ugarte did everything in his power to help United get the win. He will be back in the starting line-up next game.

Manuel Ugarte has taken a lot of criticism lately – but he stepped up vs Newcastle!

What did you like/dislike about Ugarte’s performance?

Jack Fletcher

Ruben Amorim really did not have many options after Mason Mount’s injury. Even so, it was a great show of faith from the manager to call on the teenager.

Fletcher played a full 45 minutes plus second half stoppage time to help United to a victory. While he did not get enough of the ball, this was a major step in his development.

Leny Yoro

Leny Yoro was dropped after a poor performance away at Aston Villa. So it was a vote of confidence for Ruben Amorim to bring him on at right-back for the final 30 minutes.

Yoro put in an accomplished performance, and he will be back in Ruben Amorim’s good books after this.

Manchester United fans

After last year’s nightmare defeat away at Wolves on Boxing Day, Manchester United fans can celebrate at Christmas once again.

More pertinently, this ended a terrible streak of three home games without a win. The fans at Old Trafford have been patient, and this is a moment to savour.

LOSERS

We have picked out FOUR losers from the win…

Mason Mount

Mason Mount has a poor injury record, and Manchester United needed him to step up with Mr Reliable Bruno Fernandes out.

Sadly, Mount’s unreliability has struck again. The midfielder did not return for the second half, after a really promising first 45 minutes.

Ruben Amorim did not want to take any risks with Mount, and that’s understandable considering his record.

But the reality is that United cannot afford to have more players injured at present, and this could be a real problem.

Ruben Amorim’s instant update on the Mason Mount tactical change in Man Utd’s 1-0 win vs Newcastle 🗣️🎙️

Mason Mount wanted to play, but Ruben Amorim didn’t want to take the risk. 👀 Who do YOU agree with on this occasion? Mount or Amorim? 🤔

Benjamin Sesko

Benjamin Sesko has a very disappointing record of just two goals in 15 games. He really should have added to his account here.

Sesko hit the bar with a chance in the second half, and was substituted moments afterwards. He was too hesitant whenever he got the ball inside the box, and needs to be more instinctive.

The only positive for Sesko, was the woeful efforts of the man who replaced him.

Joshua Zirkzee

Joshua Zirkzee struggled to make any kind of impact when he came on. He won one out of the seven duels he contested, and seemed to give up too easily.

Zirkzee’s performance frustrated fans, and with Sesko failing to fire, he wasted an opportunity to try and move ahead of him in the pecking order.

Kobbie Mainoo

Kobbie Mainoo did not play due to injury, and this will have made him the most frustrated player in Manchester.

Mainoo missed a game where United played an additional midfielder due to a shift in formation, a tactical shift that would have benefited him.

Mount’s injury and Fletcher’s substitution highlighted the opportunity Mainoo could have had. He will be desperately hoping to return to fitness, while the first team chances are still there.