Manchester United squeezed past Newcastle at home on Boxing Day, putting pressure on teams above them. Patrick Dorgu scored the winning goal, clearly benefiting from the freedom given by coach Ruben Amorim.

Early on, Casemiro almost scored with a header from a corner, but he couldn't keep it down. United kept pushing, and eventually, Dorgu volleyed in a great goal midway through the first half.

Near the hour mark, Benjamin Sesko nearly made it two, but his shot hit the top of the bar. Shortly after, Newcastle's Lewis Hall hit the bar from 25 yards out.

Newcastle kept up the pressure, with Anthony Gordon shooting wide. Eddie Howe brought on Yoane Wissa, Harvey Barnes, and Joelinton to try and get an equaliser.

Diogo Dalot then missed a great chance to seal the game, shooting over the bar, while Matheus Cunha also shot wide after a good run. Still, one goal was enough. Here's what we learned at Old Trafford.

Dorgu makes his mark

Almost a year after joining United, Patrick Dorgu scored his first goal for the club. It was a screamer, with the Dane smashing the ball past Aaron Ramsdale after Nick Woltemade's headed clearance.

Dorgu looked hungry for more after his first goal, testing Ramsdale with a low shot before halftime. He spent the whole game up the pitch, causing Newcastle problems on both wings.

Earlier this season, Ruben Amorim said he wanted Dorgu to show the form he had in Denmark. This game was probably what he had in mind.

Fernandes's curse broken

Bruno Fernandes went off injured against Aston Villa, which worried fans because United had only picked up one point in the last seven league games without him in the starting lineup.

Amorim knew it would be hard to replace him, but said United had options. For the first half, you wouldn't have guessed that a key player was missing.

United looked stretched late in the game, and Tyrell Malacia even made a rare appearance from the bench. It wasn't easy, but they got the win.

United's defence surprises Newcastle.

After rejecting the idea before, Ruben Amorim seemed to ditch his usual back three, at least at the start. Patrick Dorgu played on the right wing in front of Diogo Dalot, with Luke Shaw at left-back and Ayden Heaven partnering Lisandro Martinez in the middle.

The change might have been out of necessity since Noussair Mazraoui and Amad weren't available.

Newcastle seemed caught off guard. During a break in play, Lewis Hall got a message, and the visitors changed their approach.

United stayed on top before bringing on another centre-back, Leny Yoro. But it was another switch, with the Frenchman moving to right-back and Dalot going to the wing.

Fletcher's chance

Before the game, some United fans wanted Jack Fletcher to start. The teenager made his debut on Sunday and might have had a shot with Fernandes injured, but he started on the bench.

At the start of the second half, Mason Mount's substitution gave the youngster his chance. He started in an attacking role, but then had to be flexible as others were subbed off.

Fletcher's twin brother, Tyler, was also on the bench for United, and Tyler Fredricson came on late in the game. United might not be at full strength, but the future seems bright.

Man Utd gets revenge.

Last year, United had a terrible first half against Newcastle. They were 2-0 down within 20 minutes, and Amorim subbed Joshua Zirkzee off before halftime.

This time it was different. Amorim's team started quickly, and Newcastle didn't really get into the game until the second half.

Zirkzee got a chance to redeem himself in the last half-hour. Newcastle did most of the attacking, and the home team had to defend, but it will feel good to get revenge.

Morgan Rogers is Manchester United's top pick for the January transfer window. The 23-year-old is playing the best football of his life, which he showed again when Aston Villa beat United 2-1 last Sunday.

Rogers, who plays for England, scored both of Villa's goals. The first was a curler from far out, and the second was a similar shot from closer in. This win was Villa's 10th straight, which is great if they plan on winning the title. After Bruno Fernandes got hurt, it showed Ruben Amorim, the Red Devils boss, the kind of player they're missing.

That's what Louis Saha, a former United striker, thinks. He wants United to make a big offer for Rogers. Saha told FootItalia, In January, we need someone who can get our midfield going again.

Besides Bruno Fernandes and Mason Mount, we need someone quick and creative. I thought Conor Gallagher would've been a good choice. He's got the legs and the strength. I'd also love to see Morgan Rogers at United.

He's got the power, like Joelinton. That kind of power, but still skilful, and can move forward. It's so important to have that kind of presence in the midfield.

I think Rogers can really charge forward, but also handle pressure and keep the ball so that other players can move around. He's the kind of player United needs.

He’s interesting because a lot of players are athletic, but making good choices with that athleticism? That's not easy. That’s why I think Rogers would be a dream signing.

Here's something interesting: Rogers knows United's director of football, Jason Wilcox, from their time at Manchester City. Wilcox was in charge of the city's academy when they paid West Bromwich Albion £4.3 million for Rogers, who was 16 back in 2019. So, Rogers knows some people at United already.

A lot of City academy players are doing well in the Premier League, like Cole Palmer. United would love to get one over on their rivals, but Villa will make it tough if anyone tries to buy Rogers.

After beating United, Unai Emery said, Morgan Rogers is playing great. At the start of the season, he wasn't scoring goals, but he was playing well.

He always does what he's supposed to and is always committed, with a great attitude, in every game.

Today he did the same and scored goals, of course. He's the main guy. I'm really happy because he's a fighter. He's a good guy, a very good guy. He's really committed to Aston Villa, and his attitude is fantastic. When he scores goals, we're all proud, but especially of him today.