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 Mason Mount was withdrawn at half-time, while Lisandro Martínez, Luke Shaw and Casemiro were also forced off before the final whistle.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
Sonam Wangchuk Extends Hunger Strike in India
Indian activist Sonam Wangchuk has entered the 26th day of his hunger strike, saying he has lost 11 kilograms but remains determined to continue until the government guarantees the safety of student protesters. Wangchuk, widely known as "Sonam Sir," has become the face of a nationwide movement led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), which is demanding major education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over repeated examination paper leaks. The activist was removed from the protest site at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi on Saturday and admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram, where he remains under medical care while continuing his fast. Hospital officials said Wangchuk is being treated by a multidisciplinary team and remains stable. They added that all medical care is being provided with his informed consent. Protests Continue Despite Police Crackdown Thousands of […]
Thousands Evacuated as France Wildfires Spread
Thousands of people have been forced to leave their homes and holiday camps as fast-moving wildfires continue to spread across the Gironde region in southwestern France. Authorities say around 12,000 people have already been evacuated, while another 8,800 residents and visitors are being relocated as a precaution. According to local fire officials, the flames have destroyed approximately 3,100 hectares of land near the Bay of Arcachon, with strong winds and rising temperatures making firefighting efforts increasingly difficult. Most of those evacuated were visitors staying at campsites on the Lège-Cap-Ferret peninsula, while additional campsites in nearby Claouey were cleared as the fire continued to spread. Officials say the evacuations have been carried out safely, with no injuries reported. Gironde Prefect Sophie Brocas confirmed that nearly 10,000 tourists were among those evacuated overnight. Authorities have also closed several roads and forest areas […]
Minab School Strike Leaves Families in Lasting Grief
The destruction of Shajareh Tayyebeh Primary School in Minab, southern Iran, has become one of the deadliest civilian tragedies of the recent US-Israeli conflict with Iran. Months after the attack, teachers, rescue workers, and grieving families continue to live with the devastating consequences. Amaineh Nademi, a 33-year-old primary school teacher, walks through the ruins of the school where she taught first-grade girls. Parts of the building remain standing, but much of it has collapsed into rubble. She recalls where each classroom, office, and prayer room once stood, saying the school is now a place marked by loss and sorrow. The strike occurred on 28 February during the opening hours of the conflict. According to the Minab prosecutor's office, 156 people were killed, including 120 children, a pregnant woman, and her unborn baby. It remains the deadliest reported single attack on […]
Kokou Ekouagou préside le collectif artistique Fragments Nomades
Après 27 ans de carrière artistique, le plasticien togolais Kokou Ekouagou franchit une nouvelle étape en devenant président du Collectif Fragments Nomades, une association française dédiée à la promotion de l'art contemporain et des échanges culturels. Créé avec l'historienne de l'art et artiste collagiste Lielie Sellier, le collectif ambitionne de renforcer les liens culturels entre le Togo, la France et d'autres pays à travers des expositions, des ateliers et des projets artistiques. Pour Kokou Ekouagou, l'art constitue un véritable outil de dialogue, de compréhension mutuelle et de rapprochement entre les peuples. Reconnu pour une carrière de près de trois décennies, l'artiste togolais a vu certaines de ses œuvres intégrer des collections internationales, notamment celles du Torrance Art Museum en Californie. Son travail explore des thèmes tels que l'identité, la mémoire, le brassage culturel et le vivre-ensemble. Au-delà de sa carrière […]
Le MO5 rend hommage à Tavio Amorin, 34 ans après sa disparition
À l'occasion du 34ᵉ anniversaire de la disparition de Tavio Amorin, le Mouvement patriotique du 5 Octobre (MO5) a publié une déclaration rendant hommage à l'ancien dirigeant politique, présenté par l'organisation comme une figure majeure de la lutte démocratique et du panafricanisme au Togo. Signé par son coordinateur général, Eloi Koussawo, le communiqué salue la mémoire de celui que le mouvement considère comme l'un de ses cofondateurs et renouvelle son engagement à poursuivre son combat politique. Le texte adresse également un message de soutien à la famille de Tavio Amorin, notamment à son fils. Le MO5 décrit Tavio Amorin comme un militant engagé pour la démocratie, la justice et l'unité africaine. L'organisation estime que son héritage continue d'inspirer une partie de la jeunesse togolaise et réaffirme sa volonté de défendre les idéaux qu'elle lui attribue. Le communiqué est accompagné d'un […]
Georges William-Kouessan plaide pour des réformes au Togo
Invité de l'émission « D12 » sur Pyramide FM, le président du parti Santé du Peuple, Dr Georges William-Kouessan, s'est exprimé sur plusieurs sujets d'actualité, notamment la lutte contre la corruption, le dialogue politique et les inondations qui touchent le pays. Concernant la décision de l'Autorité de régulation des commandes publiques (ARCOP) sanctionnant un agent de l'État pour fraude, avec un ministre entendu dans le dossier, l'opposant a salué cette mesure tout en estimant que la lutte contre la corruption ne pourra être pleinement efficace que dans un contexte d'alternance politique et d'institutions plus indépendantes. Le président de Santé du Peuple a également critiqué le fonctionnement actuel du Cadre permanent de concertation (CPC), qu'il juge insuffisamment ouvert au dialogue. Il appelle à une réforme profonde de cette instance ainsi qu'à l'organisation d'assises nationales réunissant les partis politiques, la société civile […]
Related
Infantino slams World Cup critics for spreading hate
In an open letter and a long Instagram post shared after the tournament, Infantino said detractors were “consumed by hate and criticism” and had ignored the joy and togetherness experienced by supporters around the world. He described the World Cup, hosted across the United States, Canada and Mexico, as “the greatest show on earth” and “the most outstanding” edition in history. “To those behind their pens and papers, behind their screens spreading hate and false rumours, I want to say that while you are sitting behind, we at FIFA are on the front lines organising, working hard, and delivering the best show in the world,” Infantino wrote. He accused some commentators of “planting seeds of hate” instead of acknowledging what he called a tournament of unity, safety and inclusion. Infantino urged critics to “find love and peace,” suggesting they should […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Messi aims for another World Cup milestone
Argentina are just one victory away from making football history as they prepare to face Spain in the 2026 FIFA World Cup final. A win would make Lionel Scaloni's side only the third nation to successfully defend the World Cup, matching the achievements of Italy (1934 and 1938) and Brazil (1958 and 1962). Much of Argentina's hopes once again rest on captain Lionel Messi, who continues to deliver outstanding performances despite approaching the later stages of his career. Victory on Sunday would see him become the first captain in history to lift the FIFA World Cup trophy twice. Messi has enjoyed another remarkable tournament, scoring eight goals in seven matches and moving within one goal of Kylian Mbappé in the race to become the all-time leading scorer in World Cup history. His performances have played a crucial role in guiding […]
Messi leads Argentina against Spain in blockbuster World Cup final
Lionel Messi is set to lead Argentina against Spain in a blockbuster FIFA World Cup final. Argentina booked their place in the showpiece after a dramatic semi-final comeback, with Messi once again playing a decisive role in the team’s attack. The veteran captain did not score in the semi-final but created both goals as Argentina turned the game around late to reach the final. Spain, meanwhile, arrive with a strong defensive record and will be hoping to stop Messi and the defending champions from making history. The final promises a huge battle between two of football’s biggest nations, with Argentina aiming to retain the title and Spain seeking another world crown. Fans around the world are expecting a high-quality contest as Messi chases one more major trophy in what could be one of the biggest matches of the tournament.
Burna Boy, Madonna, Justin Bieber, others to perform at World Cup final halftime show tonight
Nigerian music star Burna Boy is set to perform alongside Madonna, Justin Bieber, Shakira and BTS at the first-ever FIFA World Cup final halftime show The historic 11-minute performance will take place at the New York New Jersey Stadium on July 19 and is being curated by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin. According to FIFA, the show is part of a broader effort to promote education and football opportunities for children through the FIFA Global Citizen Education Fund. Burna Boy’s appearance marks another major international milestone for the Afrobeats star, who has continued to gain global recognition through major collaborations and festival performances. Other performers expected to feature in the show include Venezuelan conductor Gustavo Dudamel, the PS22 Chorus from Staten Island and Coldplay. The event is expected to draw a massive global audience as football fans around the world tune […]
World Cup: Nicky Butt urges Mainoo to boycott France clash, calls for Tuchel’s sack
Former Manchester United midfielder Nicky Butt has urged Kobbie Mainoo to refuse to play in England’s World Cup third-place match against France. Butt said the midfielder has been unfairly overlooked throughout the tournament and should not be asked to feature in what he described as a meaningless game. He argued that Mainoo has not played a single minute and should not be exposed to injury in a match that offers little value after England’s semi-final exit. Butt also called for the dismissal of England manager Thomas Tuchel, insisting the German coach should not remain in charge after the team’s disappointing World Cup campaign. He suggested that the Football Association should look at other options, naming Newcastle United boss Eddie Howe and United States coach Mauricio Pochettino as possible replacements. The comments have added to the pressure on Tuchel as criticism […]