Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has overseen victories against some of England’s biggest clubs, but the narrow win over Newcastle United on Boxing Day may stand out as one of his most rewarding.
Depleted by injuries and international absences, United fielded a heavily improvised side yet managed to secure a hard-fought 1-0 victory at Old Trafford. The decisive moment came from an unexpected source, as left-back Patrick Dorgu, deployed on the right wing, produced a superb strike to settle the contest.
Newcastle dominated large spells of the second half, but United’s reshuffled defence showed resilience. A back line featuring Leny Yoro, Tyler Fredricson, Ayden Heaven and Tyrell Malacia absorbed sustained pressure to preserve just the club’s second clean sheet of the league season. Notably, it was also United’s first Premier League win since March 2022 achieved without Bruno Fernandes in the starting lineup.
For the first time since his arrival from Sporting CP over a year ago, Amorim abandoned his usual system and opted for a back four. While the approach paid dividends early on, the Portuguese coach stressed that the result was built more on unity and character than tactics.
“I’m especially pleased with the second half,” Amorim said after the match. “We suffered together. Sometimes you need a bit of luck, but if we keep this spirit and togetherness, we will win many games.”
United’s challenges were evident even before kick-off. Several key players, including Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui, are away at the Africa Cup of Nations. Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire were all sidelined through injury.
The situation worsened during the game. Mason Mount was withdrawn at half-time, while Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Casemiro were also forced off before the final whistle. Malacia made his first appearance since January, and Fredricson, largely an Under-21 player this season, was handed a demanding role.
Despite Newcastle registering 16 attempts, goalkeeper Senne Lammens was rarely tested, with only three shots on target. Lewis Hall came closest for the visitors, striking the crossbar in the second half. Newcastle’s struggles away from home continued, underlined by their limited goal return on the road.
Eddie Howe admitted his side failed to make their dominance count. “The second half was much better, but we didn’t create enough clear chances,” the Newcastle manager said. “That’s been a recurring issue for us away from home.”
United, meanwhile, claimed victory with just 33 percent possession, their lowest in a league win since January 2023. While performances have been inconsistent, Amorim believes recent matches show encouraging signs of progress.
With several first-team players still unavailable, the manager may increasingly rely on emerging talents such as Dorgu and Heaven, as well as the returning Martínez. United’s climb to fifth place offers renewed hope of a Champions League push, provided they can sustain the same determination shown against Newcastle.
About the author
Gunfire Panic at Washington Political Dinner
During a White House Correspondents’ Association dinner in Washington, panic broke out after gunfire was heard inside the venue, disrupting what had been a major political and media gathering. The incident caused immediate chaos among guests, many of whom had previously experienced or witnessed politically motivated violence. Security teams quickly moved attendees out of the ballroom, while federal agents secured the building. Among those present were high-profile political figures, including House Majority Leader Steve Scalise, who was previously the victim of a serious shooting attack during a congressional baseball practice in 2017, as well as Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who comes from a family long affected by political assassinations. Journalist attendees also included individuals who had covered earlier attacks involving former President Donald Trump, reinforcing the sense of déjà vu in the room. This latest scare marks the […]
UK envoy questions “special relationship” with US
"They are certainly not any reflection of the UK government's position." The United Kingdom’s ambassador to the United States, Sir Christian Turner, has sparked debate after suggesting that the only country with a true “special relationship” with Washington is Israel. Speaking in February to a group of students during a private discussion, Turner said the phrase traditionally used to describe UK-US ties is outdated and carries historical baggage. He indicated that while the United Kingdom and the US share deep cooperation, particularly in defence and security, the notion of a unique “special relationship” may no longer fully apply. The remarks, revealed this week by the Financial Times, come at a sensitive moment, coinciding with a state visit by King Charles III to the United States. The visit aims to reinforce diplomatic ties amid broader geopolitical tensions, including those linked to […]
Sanctioned-linked yacht crosses Hormuz tensions
A luxury superyacht linked to a close ally of Russian President Vladimir Putin has crossed the Strait of Hormuz despite ongoing tensions and restrictions in the region. The 142-metre vessel, Nord, is associated with Russian billionaire Alexei Mordashov, who is under Western sanctions. The yacht sailed from Dubai to Muscat over the weekend, making it one of the few private vessels to pass through the strategic waterway in recent months. Although Mordashov is not officially listed as the owner, records indicate the yacht is registered to a company linked to his family. Estimated to be worth over $500 million, the vessel features high-end amenities including a helipad, swimming pool and onboard submarine. The crossing comes at a time of heightened geopolitical tensions. Iran has imposed strict controls over maritime traffic in the strait following its standoff with the United States, […]
UAE to exit OPEC after nearly 60 years
The United Arab Emirates has announced it will withdraw from OPEC and the broader OPEC+ next month, ending nearly six decades of membership. Authorities say the move is intended to give the country greater flexibility in managing its oil production, following significant investments aimed at expanding capacity. By operating outside the group’s quota system, the UAE will be able to respond more freely to global energy demand. The decision is widely viewed as a major development for the oil market. Some analysts consider it a significant setback for OPEC, which could lose influence as one of its key and historically compliant members exits. The UAE currently contributes a notable share of the group’s production capacity. Founded in 1960, OPEC was created to coordinate oil output among major exporting countries to stabilise prices and ensure steady revenues. The UAE joined in […]
Michel Galley prend la tête des régulateurs ouest-africains
Le Togo renforce sa présence dans la gouvernance numérique régionale avec l’élection de Michel Yaovi Galley à la tête de l’Association des régulateurs des télécommunications de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (ARTAO). Directeur général de l’Autorité de régulation des communications électroniques et des postes du Togo (ARCEP), il a été désigné lors de la 23ᵉ Assemblée générale annuelle de l’organisation, tenue à Lomé. Il succède au Bissau-Guinéen Herri Mané. À la tête de l’ARTAO, Michel Yaovi Galley hérite d’un agenda centré sur le renforcement de l’harmonisation réglementaire et de la coopération entre pays de la sous-région. Le mandat précédent a permis des avancées notables, notamment dans la collaboration entre régulateurs de la Communauté économique des États de l’Afrique de l’Ouest (CEDEAO), de l’Alliance des États du Sahel et de la Mauritanie. Plusieurs chantiers structurants ont également été engagés dans des domaines clés […]
Kara : un parc industriel en projet au nord
Le Togo franchit une nouvelle étape dans son ambition industrielle avec l’avancée du projet de parc industriel à Kara, dans le nord du pays. Un accord a été signé récemment entre les autorités togolaises et l’Association des entreprises et de la culture de Hebei, en Hebei, ouvrant la voie à la mise en œuvre progressive de cette infrastructure. Cet engagement fait suite à plusieurs cycles de discussions et marque le début d’une collaboration opérationnelle en vue de l’installation d’unités industrielles dans la région. Les secteurs ciblés incluent la transformation agroalimentaire, les énergies renouvelables, ainsi que l’assemblage d’équipements et de matériels électriques. Soutenu par des investissements chinois, le projet vise à accélérer l’industrialisation du pays, à renforcer la transformation locale des matières premières et à générer des emplois qualifiés. Il devrait également contribuer au développement agricole régional, en complément des initiatives […]
Related
Fernandez crowned Rangers’ best after stunning debut season
Recently capped Super Eagles defender Emmanuel Fernandez has crowned a brilliant first season at Glasgow Rangers by being named the club’s Men’s Player of the Year. The Nigerian centre back received the award at the club’s 2026 Player of the Year ceremony in Glasgow on Sunday night. Fernandez joined Rangers last summer and quickly became a key figure in the team’s defence. He has made more than 30 appearances in all competitions, scoring crucial goals and helping the side keep numerous clean sheets in the Scottish Premiership. Rangers fans voted him their standout performer of the 2025/2026 campaign, praising his composure, strength and leadership at the back. His performances also earned him a place in the Scottish Premiership Team of the Season, a recognition he admitted came as a pleasant surprise. The 23 year old defender made his debut for […]
Fit again Lookman eager to face ‘special’ Arsenal in UCL
Ademola Lookman has declared himself fit and ready to face Arsenal in the UEFA Champions League semi final first leg at the Riyadh Air Metropolitano tomorrow. The Atletico Madrid forward missed the club’s last two La Liga matches after suffering an abductor complaint in the Copa del Rey final. Lookman returned to full training with his teammates on Monday, easing fears that he could miss the crucial clash against the Premier League side. He said he feels much better and is focused on helping Atletico reach the Champions League final. The Nigeria international described Arsenal as a “special” team and admitted the tie carries extra emotion for him because of his London roots. He grew up in the city and began his professional career there, making the semi final a meeting of his past and present. Lookman has made a […]
Simeone says Atletico chasing redemption against Arsenal
Atletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says his team are chasing redemption when they face Arsenal in the first leg of their Champions League semi final on Wednesday. Atletico recently suffered a painful defeat in the Copa del Rey final and are under pressure to deliver a major trophy for their fans. The Spanish side will host Arsenal at the Civitas Metropolitano, where Simeone wants his players to draw strength from the atmosphere and show courage and character. He said the club owes its supporters a big European night after tens of thousands of them travelled to Seville for the cup final only to return home disappointed. Simeone admitted that Atletico have experienced many painful near misses in recent years, including Champions League final defeats in 2014 and 2016. He believes this semi final offers another chance for the team to […]
Le Togo engagé au Tour cycliste du Bénin
Le peloton togolais a pris la route de Cotonou pour participer à la 21ᵉ édition du Tour cycliste international du Bénin, qui se déroule du 27 avril au 3 mai en cinq étapes. La compétition débute par un prologue de 4,80 km, avant le lancement des premières étapes en ligne dès mardi avec un parcours de 126,04 km. Au total, 90 coureurs issus de 14 pays africains — dont le Maroc, l’Algérie, l’Érythrée, le Nigeria, le Ghana, la Côte d’Ivoire, le Burkina Faso, l’Île Maurice, le Bénin et le Togo — ainsi que des équipes de clubs européens, notamment belges et allemands, sont en lice pour le maillot jaune. Le tenant du titre, le Sud-Africain Reinardt Janse Van Rensburg, est absent cette année. Pour l’équipe nationale togolaise, l’objectif est clair : accumuler de l’expérience, évaluer le niveau des coureurs et […]
Zaragoza goalkeeper Andrada faces ban after punching opponent in the face
Real Zaragoza goalkeeper Esteban Andrada is facing a lengthy ban after punching an opponent in the face during a heated Spanish second division derby against Huesca.The Argentine shot stopper was sent off in stoppage time and then completely lost his composure, striking Huesca captain Jorge Pulido with a powerful right hand. The incident took place in the 99th minute of the match, with Zaragoza trailing 1 0 in a crucial relegation battle.After initially pushing Pulido to the ground, Andrada received a second yellow card, but instead of walking off, he sprinted towards the defender and punched him in the face. The punch sparked a mass brawl involving players and staff from both sides, and the referee and officials struggled to restore order on the pitch.In the chaos that followed, Huesca goalkeeper Dani Jiménez and Zaragoza player Dani Tasende were also […]
2026 FIFA World Cup: Team profile of South Africa’s Bafana Bafana
South Africa are back on the global stage at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, their first appearance at the tournament since hosting it in 2010.Bafana Bafana secured qualification by finishing top of their CAF Group C, edging out Nigeria and sealing the ticket with a decisive win over Rwanda in October 2025. The team is coached by Belgian tactician Hugo Broos, who has focused on building a compact, hard working side that is difficult to break down.Under his guidance, South Africa enjoyed a strong Africa Cup of Nations campaign and carried that confidence into World Cup qualifying. South Africa’s style of play is based on defensive organisation, quick transitions and smart use of width.They often sit in a disciplined shape, absorb pressure and then break forward at speed through energetic midfielders and wingers. Captain Ronwen Williams is one of the […]