MANCHESTER, England (AP) — Patrick Dorg scored his first goal for Manchester United as his team defeated Newcastle 1-0 in an exciting Premier League game on Friday.
Dorg, 21, scored a left-footed volley from 15 meters out midway through the first half to give United their first home win in four Premier League games and move them past Liverpool into fifth place.
However, reigning champions Liverpool host bottom club Wolves on Saturday.
Dolgu was delighted and said, “It was a good win. I never thought I would be able to do something like that.”
United will be without talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes, with several other first-team players sidelined through injury or African Cup of Nations duties.
The new team also lined up in an unusual four-back formation, but the first half was an even match, with the most notable being the brilliant attacking performance of Dorgu, who played 38 games in the red shirt.
United were hampered by Mason Mount going off injured at half-time, with Newcastle in control early in the second period.
Most of the chances fell to Newcastle. Lewis Hall was disappointed in the 62nd minute when his long-range shot hit the bar, but a few seconds later Anthony Gordon had a great opportunity to head the ball wide.
Joelinton’s late piledriver was also well saved by United goalkeeper Senne Ramens.
At the other end, Diogo Dalot fired from close range when he should have done better, but neither team could add to Dorg’s effort and United fans went home satisfied.
Coach Ruben Amorim will be particularly pleased with how his young team has narrowed the lead.
United had five academy players in the dugout at Old Trafford, and England Under-19 midfielder Jack Fletcher, son of former player Darren, was one of the young players brought on 45 minutes into the second half.
For United, 20-year-old Aiden Haven started in central defence, with fellow 20-year-olds Lenny Yoro and Tyler Fredrickson coming on in the second half.
Newcastle are currently 11th in the table, six points behind United, after a disappointing December in which they won only one of their five league games.
Newcastle manager Eddie Howe said: “The second half was much better from our point of view than the first, but we didn’t put in enough effort.” “We thought we could win the game if we scored, but it didn’t happen. It’s very disappointing.
“We got better in the second half, played with a good rhythm and dominated the ball, but all we had to do was score.”
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