Amorim No Longer Ngotot Three Defenders, Man Utd's Underdog Team Defeated Newcastle on Boxing Day

Midfielder Patrick Dorgu celebrates the goal that gave Manchester United a 1-0 win over Newcastle United. (X/@ManUtd)

JAKARTA - Manchester United changed the scheme to 4-2-3-1 when defeating Newcastle United 1-0 in the English Premier League match at Old Trafford Stadium, Saturday, December 27, 2025 WIB. When manager Ruben Amorim did not insist on wearing three defenders, Man Utd who came down with a backup team even won the Boxing Day match.

Man Utd is more confident when not using the 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 scheme. Previously, Amorim was still insisting on relying on three defenders even though Man Utd's performance was not convincing. Even in the previous match, Man Utd had to admit Aston Villa's advantage 2-1.

When returning to play at home when hosting Newcastle, Amorim, who lost many players, was forced to implement a 4-2-3-1 scheme.

In that match, Man Utd was not strengthened by captain Bruno Fernandes who suffered a hamstring injury. The captain's armband was handed over to defender Lisandro Martinez who had recovered from a long injury.

Apart from Fernandes, Man Utd is not strengthened by Kobbie Mainoo, Matthijs de Ligt and Harry Maguire who are still struggling with injuries. Not to mention Bryan Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Noussair Mazraoui who are absent because they are appearing in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Not stopping there, as the match progressed, the pillar players one by one had to leave the arena. Starting with Mason Mount, Casemiro and finally Luke Shaw. They who have often sat on the bench were not spared by Amorim, including Jack Fletcher who replaced Mount.

Fletcher, who is still 18 years old, is none other than the son of former Man Utd midfielder Darren Fletcher. Now, the father who won the Premier League five times and once the Champions League with the Red Devils is coaching his son at MU U-18.

Even though they appeared with a different squad and a different scheme, Man Utd was able to give the most beautiful code for supporters on Boxing Day. A sweet victory because it was achieved at home.

In that match, the only winning goal was produced by midfielder Patrick Dorgu in the 24th minute. A beautiful and spectacular goal when Dorgu's first time volley shot broke through Newcastle's goal. This was an impressive victory because for the first time, Amorim played a four-back scheme from the minute of the match.

Amorim also did not hesitate to praise the determination and spirit of the players when facing difficult times. Even though they had to work hard, they were able to overcome the pressure.

"I am very happy with the team's performance, especially in the second half," said Amorim. "We had difficulties and faced them together. You could say we defended very well because we didn't have any threats in front of the goal. But the opponent team actually had chances. And you need luck for that," he said.

"If we have the spirit like in that match, we can win more. I think that's what the players feel. That we can win with spirit and togetherness," said Amorim again.

Even though they won, Man Utd actually lost in ball possession compared to Newcastle. Even Man Utd's ball possession was only 33%. It's just that the Magpies' attacks rarely endanger the home team's defense.

Senne Lammens' goalkeeper did face 16 shots on goal. But he rarely made a save because only three shots went to the goal. Newcastle's best chance came from defender Lewis Hall when his shot hit the crossbar.

"We actually got a chance that could determine the match in the early stages. Then in the second half, we played better but didn't create chances. This is certainly disappointing," said Newcastle manager Eddie Howe.

The defeat away from home makes Newcastle still struggling at the bottom. Now, The Toon Army is ranked 11th with 23 points. 10 points ahead of the team in the relegation zone.

Man Utd themselves managed to improve their ranking. Now, they have risen to fifth place with 29 points or 10 points behind Arsenal who lead the standings.

The same goes for Liverpool who dropped to sixth place because Man Utd still has a goal difference. However, if they beat Wolverhampton Wanderers or even draw, Liverpool will displace Man Utd.