Player Ratings: Manchester United 1-0 Newcastle United

Photo: Manchester United

Manchester United secured their first Premier League home win since October after a tight, but crucial 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Friday night.

Ruben Amorim started the side with a four-at-the-back, offering a completely different shape to what many United fans are used to, and it worked wonders in the first-half.

United were very fluid in their play in the first-half, with Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha being constant threats, together with Mason Mount. The only goal of the game came in the 24th minute, when a long throw was half cleared by Newcastle, before Dorgu latched onto the ball in excellent fashion, volleying it into the net for his first United goal.

The home side a significant blow after that, as Mount, who was leading the press, had to be brought off at half-time. United fell into a defensive shape in the second-half, especially after making a number of substitutions in the hopes of keeping the team fresh. United barely threatened in the second-half, apart from a Benjamin Sesko shot that hit the bar, but eventually saw out the win to earn an impressive set of three points.

Here are the player ratings from Friday night:

Senne Lammens 7

Produced another solid and comfortable display, looking sharp especially as Newcastle piled on the pressure in the second-half. Made a number of excellent claims from crosses and smart stops.

Diogo Dalot 6

Started in a familiar right-back position, and looked solid throughout, keeping Anthony Gordon quiet. Moved further forward in the second-half and was used as an outlet to try and get out. Stood strong whenever called upon.

Ayden Heaven 9

A standout performance from the young centre-back. Started ahead of Leny Yoro to keep his run of starts going, and he kept Nick Woltemade throughout the whole match. Excellent on and off the ball, winning all of his duels and practically getting every pass right.

Lisandro Martinez 8

Captained the side and was a brilliant partner for Heaven on the night. Got his passing range spot on yet again, even finding Dalot with a brilliant pass at one point.

Luke Shaw 6

Started at left-back and did not look out of sorts. Had an odd shaky moment, but he saw off Jacob Murphy and looked bright on the ball.

Manuel Ugarte 7

Did not look overly comfortable at the start, but he grew into the game and started to exude confidence, highlighted by his impressive Cruyff turn in the first-half. Can be best described as a terrier when chasing down a ball, running after opposition midfielders and doing very well in winning it back.

Casemiro 6

Offered a sense of calm and composure when United needed it, especially alongside Ugarte. Had a golden chance to open the scoring early on. Stunned to see his number go up in the second-half.

Patrick Dorgu 8

Probably his best game in a United shirt, winning ball after ball and looking very dangerous further forward than he usually plays. Started on the right and was a constant threat, creating chance after chance. His brilliant display was capped off with the stunning volley to win United the game.

Mason Mount 7

His pressing set the tone in the first-half, linking up excellently with Matheus Cunha and Dorgu. Would be a huge miss for United if he is significantly injured.

Matheus Cunha 7

A performance that we have come to expect from the Brazilian. Holds on to the ball very well, bringing it forward and always retaining it. Had a number of shots, and was a constant livewire. Needed to step up when so many others are absent, and he did so.

Benjamin Sesko 7

A busy performance from the Slovenian, who was always putting himself about. Flicking a number of balls and winning plenty of duels with Newcastle defenders. Hit the bar with his final touch of the game.

Substitutes

Jack Fletcher 6

Brought on at half-time after Mount's injury, and quickly settled into the game and followed Amorim's gameplan perfectly. Industrious display.

Leny Yoro 6

Helped contribute to United's defensive display, looking adept and slotted into the team well.

Joshua Zirkzee 5

A tough night for the Dutchman, with nothing really falling for him. Barely receive the ball, and when he did, nothing seemed to come off.

Tyler Fredricson 6

Came on to shore up the defence, and helped relieve some pressure.

Tyrell Malacia 6

Made a very late cameo and did not look out of sorts. Followed the gameplan and cleared the ball from danger.

Manager - Ruben Amorim 8

Even with a very depleted squad, he got the gameplan spot on. Started with a four-at-the-back formation, and showed plenty of faith in the academy to put the cherry on the cake. United were excellent in the first-half and should have been further ahead before the break. Shifted focus in the second-half and the team followed the plan perfectly. Amorim will desperately need players back before Wolves on Tuesday, especially with Bruno Fernandes out.