Manchester United returned to winning ways at Old Trafford with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle United, climbing provisionally into fifth place and deepening the Magpies’ ongoing struggles on the road.
Job done ✅
— Manchester United (@ManUtd) December 26, 2025
Boxing Day business completed 💼 pic.twitter.com/G1oWHsKOF2
The result ended United’s three-match winless run at home and extended Newcastle’s poor away form, with Eddie Howe’s side now having won just once in their last 12 Premier League fixtures away from St James’ Park.
With United unbeaten at home on Boxing Day for 47 years and having won eight of Newcastle’s last 11 league visits, the Red Devils entered the contest with history firmly on their side.
Forced into changes due to injuries, Ruben Amorim reshuffled his line-up, but Patrick Dorgu was a standout performer from the opening exchanges despite operating as a makeshift right winger. The Dane was heavily involved early on, supplying a low cross that Benjamin Sesko fired narrowly wide.
Newcastle threatened sporadically, working Senne Lammens through a combination involving Bruno Guimarães and Casemiro, before Matheus Cunha tested Aaron Ramsdale from a tight angle. However, the breakthrough belonged to United.
Following a long throw that was only partially cleared by Nick Woltemade, Dorgu reacted quickest in the centre of the area, unleashing a superb left-footed volley that found the bottom corner to give the hosts the lead.
The remainder of the first half passed with limited chances, although Newcastle began to grow in confidence and found joy down their right flank.
That pressure increased after the restart, with Fabian Schär seeing an effort deflected wide by the goalscorer. Both sides then went close, as Sesko and Lewis Hall struck the crossbar at opposite ends in a dramatic spell.
Newcastle continued to push for an equaliser, but a lack of cutting edge proved costly. Anthony Gordon dragged a promising chance wide, while a series of late crosses and shots failed to breach a resilient United defence.
United held firm in the closing stages to secure only their third league win in nine matches, moving them into the top five.
For Newcastle, frustration will centre on a wasteful second half, with the Magpies now having failed to score in six of their last 12 Premier League away games.
