Manchester United narrowly beat Newcastle 1-0 on Boxing Day, with Reuben Amorim’s fine-tuned tactics and Aiden Haven’s performance key to their success.
Aiden Haven was praised for winning the Man of the Match award in Manchester United’s come-from-behind victory over Newcastle on Boxing Day. Haven is only 19 years old and making his 13th appearance for the club in a new position, but he has shone at Old Trafford.
United were without Bruno Fernandes, Harry Maguire and Matthijs de Ligt for this game, with Mason Mount also out injured. Meanwhile, with Brian Mbeumo, Amad Diallo and Nousair Mazraoui absent for the African Cup of Nations, Ruben Amorim has been forced to adapt.
The home side took the lead through Diogo Dalot’s long throw-in and Patrick Dorg’s superb volley, managing to overcome Newcastle’s barrage of pressure. The key to the victory was Heaven’s performance, who was appointed as right center back despite being left-handed.
Amorim has stubbornly used a 3-4-2-1 formation since becoming United manager, but he adapted against Newcastle, with his back four often resembling a back six in the final stages of the match. It was United’s second clean sheet of the season and their first since the 2-0 win over Sunderland on October 4.
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Roy Keane said on Sky Sports: “He (Heaven) did very well. The game suited him.” “He’s learned his trade. These are fundamental parts of defense. It gives him confidence. It’s great.”
Former United defender Gary Neville added: “Manchester United did a great job. Heaven was just amazing. Those Newcastle players… four or five of them fell to the ground at the end. Heaven was man of the match.”
United moved up to fifth in the Premier League table and Heaven were delighted to finally end their losing streak without a clean sheet. “Finally a clean sheet. We’ve been waiting for this. I’m really happy,” he said.
“This guy here (Dorug) helped us get there. I’m really grateful to everyone who helped me. The difference is because I was playing on the right side and obviously had a weak foot. Coach, we play with him in a lot of formations, but I know he can do whatever he does, you saw it today. I’m very proud of the team.”
Amorim praised the players for their tenacity and victory despite seeing little of the ball, and was particularly pleased with the young defenders. “I’m really happy with Aiden. I can feel him improving with each game,” he said. “He’s young, but he doesn’t feel like he has a good game and then his games and thinking during the game is slow.
“No, I felt him growing during the game. I know he wasn’t playing, but he was practicing really well. You have to practice really well so that when the opportunity comes, you’re ready. So if you keep playing like that at the moment, it’s going to be really hard to replace him.”
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