Patrick Dorgu scored the only goal as Manchester United’s weakened side edged out Newcastle at Old Trafford.
Despite missing Bruno Fernandes through injury and Amad Diallo and Bryan Mbeumo, who are both at the Africa Cup of Nations, United claimed a vital three points to move to fifth in the Premier League table ahead of the weekend action.
For Newcastle, it was another away day disappointment. Although they piled the pressure on in a one-sided second-half, United keeper Senne Lammens was rarely called into action as they suffered their fifth defeat in nine league games on the road this season.
Dorgu, operating in an unfamiliar wide right position, scored the winner after 24 minutes, volleying in superbly after the visitors failed to clear a corner.
United start brightly
Ruben Amorim’s men ought to have made a flying start, Casemiro finding a yard of space in the box after three minutes but he could only head Mason Mount’s delivery over the bar.
Benjamin Sesko and Jacob Murphy had chances at either end while Lammens saved well from Bruno Guimaraes, before Matheus Cunha’s run and shot was pushed behind for a corner by Aaron Ramsdale.
Mount’s centre from the left was headed up in the air and Dorgu ran in from the right to meet the dropping ball on the full and flash a volley past Ramsdale’s outstretched right hand for his first goal in a United shirt.
Dorgu excelled at the other end at the start of the second half, bravely diving in to block Fabian Schar’s goalbound shot away from danger.
United were content to sit in and play on the counter and it was a tactic that almost reaped its rewards on the hour mark when the hitherto quiet Sesko burst away and lashed a left-footed shot against the top the bar.
The woodwork was rattled at the other end minutes later, the impressive Lewis Hall picking up a loose ball in midfield, running 20 yards and clipping a shot that beat Lammens but came back off the underside of the bar.
Wasteful Newcastle can’t beat Lammens
Newcastle were firmly on top but lacked quality in the final third. Anthony Gordon ought to have done better than shoot wide when well placed after 67 minutes.
Diogo Dalot shot over at the other end before Joelinton and Gordon wasted good opportunities for Newcastle. The visitors’ final opportunity fell the way of Lewis Miley but the young full-back shot over as United held on.