Manchester United fans finally had something to cheer at Old Trafford as the Red Devils ended a two-month Premier League home-win drought with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Newcastle.
The tense Boxing Day encounter, previewed earlier by SoftFootball, was settled by Patrick Dorgu’s superb first-half volley from a Casemiro cross. It was the Danish left back’s first goal since arriving in the summer, and it proved decisive in a game short on fluency but rich in effort.
The result, which SoftFootball later described as a narrow but important win, lifted United back into fifth place and sparked lively debate online. While the performance divided opinion, most supporters agreed the three points mattered more than style.
Senne Lammens’ sharp saves, Lisandro Martinez’s calm return to the back line and an assured showing from academy defender Ayden Heaven helped secure a rare clean sheet, even as Newcastle pressed late on.
Some reactions focused more on Newcastle’s struggles than on United’s relief. X user Hamad Yaseen appeared to be questioning the direction of Eddie Howe’s project.
He suggested the club may have peaked under the current manager, stating in full:
Newcastle should start preparing for life after Eddie Howe. He has taken the club a long way, but it feels like he has reached his ceiling and the project has stalled.
Others took a more sarcastic angle. SipsTea joked that Newcastle’s defeat indirectly benefited United’s manager.
He posted:
Newcastle took one for the team by losing so that Manchester United thinks Ruben Amorim is good and gets to keep his Job.
United fans also reflected on life without their captain. Albert Nat HYDE acknowledged the scrappy nature of the contest but highlighted resilience without Bruno Fernandes.
He said:
Bad game buh we still won. Looks like we are not a team without Bruno.
Guigs Luke summed up the mood around the performance itself, praising the goal but questioning the display after the break.
He wrote:
Was a quality finish , shit performance 2nd half though.
Big 3 points
Buzz Flare captured the lighter side, comparing Dorgu’s strike to a long-awaited movie trailer.
He posted:
Dorgu hit that like he’s been waiting to drop a trailer
With Bruno watching from the stands and the Fletcher twins sharing a matchday squad moment, it was a night of small milestones and much-needed relief at Old Trafford.
