Manchester United, hit hard by injuries to several key first-team players, ground out a vital three points with a narrow victory over Newcastle United on Boxing Day at Old Trafford. It was far from a vintage performance, but the result mattered far more than the aesthetics.

In a telling statistic, the Red Devils finished the match with just 33% possession — their lowest figure of the season so far. Yet football, especially in the Premier League, often rewards efficiency over elegance.

The decisive moment arrived in the 24th minute. After a throw-in, Newcastle United failed to properly clear their lines inside the penalty area. The loose ball fell kindly, and Patrick Dorgu reacted quickest, striking first time and sending a precise effort into the right-hand corner of the net.

Manchester United legend Roy Keane summed up the mood perfectly in his post-match assessment:

“It certainly wasn't pretty to watch. I've said it many times before, give me the points over the plaudits any time of the week. An ugly win, but a huge win for them.”

2025-26, England - Premier League

Manchester United - Newcastle 1:0 (1:0)
Goals: Dorgu, 24 (1:0)

Manchester United: Lammens; Dalot; Martínez Li. (Fredricson T., 88); Dorgu; Shaw L. (Malacia, 88); Heaven; Mount (Fletcher, 46); Casimiro (Yoro, 61); Ugarte; Cunha; Sesko (Zirkzee, 60)
Substitution: Fletcher (from 46); Zirkzee (from 60); Yoro (from 61); Malacia (from 88); Fredricson T. (from 88)
Bench: Bayındır; Lacey
Yellow Cards: Shaw L. 69; Cunha 90

Newcastle: Ramsdale; Schär; Hall; Tonali (Willock, 77); Thiaw; Bruno Guimarães; Ramsey J. (Joelinton, 68); Miley; Gordon A.; Murphy J-b (Barnes H., 68); Woltemade (Wissa Y., 68)
Substitution: Barnes H. (from 68); Joelinton (from 68); Wissa Y. (from 68); Willock (from 77)
Bench: Pope; Murphy Alex; Neave
Yellow Cards: Tonali 73