Manchester United edged their way to a very hard-fought 1-0 win over Newcastle United to continue the club’s superb Boxing Day record.
In what was the only Boxing Day fixture for the first time in Premier League history, United claimed their 23rd win in this competition on December 26 and moved up to fifth in the table.
This was a rare display of defensive resilience from Ruben Amorim’s side, who had to effectively repel one-way Newcastle traffic after half-time to secure only a second clean sheet of the season.
Patrick Dorgu scored what proved to be the only goal of the game with a superb left-footed volley, with Amorim’s side looking good value for their lead at the time.
However, United were dealt a blow at the break when Mason Mount was forced off injured, and momentum swung in Newcastle’s favour.
Eddie Howe’s men launched wave upon wave of attacks on United’s defence, but saw chance after chance go to waste.
Newcastle’s struggles on the road continue with this defeat, having now lost six of their previous eight away games across all competitions.
Meanwhile, this was an important result for a United team that secured only a third win in their last nine matches.
Wolverhampton Wanderers are the next visitors to Old Trafford on December 30, while Newcastle face Burnley at Turf Moor the same day.
