Ruben Amorim: Surprise changes caught Newcastle out | OneFootball

Manchester United secured a huge three points courtesy of a hard-fought 1-0 win against Newcastle United on Boxing Day at Old Trafford.

The goal came from the unlikeliest sources — Patrick Dorgu, who came up with a stunning volley from a corner in the first half.

It was a game of surprises right from the off, as Ruben Amorim was forced to tweak his starting lineup due to the sheer number of absentees.

From claiming he would never change his system, the ex-Sporting CP boss picked a flat back-four involving three left-footed defenders in Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, and Luke Shaw.

System change from Ruben Amorim

And instead of wingbacks, the home side played with out-and-out wingers with the goalscorer playing as a right-winger.

By the end of the game, the composition of the defence was something to behold. Two players below 20, one “bomb squad” member, and a player who earned his coach’s ire in recent weeks.

Yet, the backline performed admirably and it was delightful to see them pick up only their second clean-sheet of the season. Fair to say, Amorim will be pleased.

In a game where the Red Devils were without two of their best defenders in Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire, the defenders deserve a lot of credit.

Brave selection calls paid off

And fans were skeptical heading into the contest without their talisman Bruno Fernandes and Kobbie Mainoo but Manuel Ugarte, who has received so much recent criticism, played a blinder.

Derided for his lack of faith in the academy, the head coach put on two youngsters — Jack Fletcher from the start of the second-half and Tyler Fredricson towards the end of the game.

Ruben Amorim also subbed on Tyrell Malacia, who was close to being sold in the summer, for his first appearance of the season.

The win means the 20-time English league champions climbed up to fifth in the Premier League table, level on points with fourth-placed Chelsea.

Hopefully, fans will be treated to more such surprises in the days to come. United are next in action against bottom-of-the-barrel Wolverhampton Wanderers at home next Tuesday.

Feature image Carl Recine via Getty Images

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