Man Utd player ratings vs Newcastle as two 8/10s secure resilient win | Football | Sport

December 26, 2025 3,624

Manchester United moved up to fifth, level with fourth-placed Chelsea on 29 points, by beating Newcastle in their penultimate match of 2025. The Red Devils were without captain Bruno Fernandes and fellow key men Bryan Mbeumo, Amad and Matthijs de Ligt but regardless produced a resilient performance at the back to beat the Magpies 1-0 at Old Trafford.

Patrick Dorgu’s first United goal on 24 minutes was the difference as Ruben Amorim‘s side switched to a back four before changing systems to see it out in the second half. Their defence was put under the cosh as Newcastle dominated the ball in search of an equaliser but United held strong to grind out a hard-earned clean sheet and victory. Express Sport rates and slates the United players…

Man Utd player ratings vs Newcastle

Senne Lammens – 6

Good save to keep out Bruno Guimaraes’ header at the near post but appeared beaten by a curling Lewis Hall strike until it came back off the crossbar. Saved twice from Joelinton in the closing stages and caught a long Guimaraes ball into the box to relieve pressure in stoppage time. A first clean sheet since October 4.

Diogo Dalot – 7

Helped keep Anthony Gordon quiet even first half. Bizarrely moved to right wing after a formation change but should have made it 2-0 after a sensational first touch with his chest before firing over. Might have been deemed offside if he scored, though.

Ayden Heaven – 8

A fifth Premier League start for the teenager and a first clean sheet. A really accomplished performance and managed the best percentage of completed passes – 97 per cent – of any Red Devils player to start the match. Some really important contributions second half.

Lisandro Martinez – 7

Led the defence well to keep his first Premier League shut-out since January 26. Perhaps got away with one after a handball in the second half but pivotal in repelling Newcastle’s crosses. It was also his pinpoint long pass that found Dalot before the Portuguese defender fired over.

Luke Shaw – 7

Provided the width on the left from left-back first half and did a decent job in his own half after half-time. A yellow card for taking too long with a throw-in the only blemish of his performance.

Casemiro – 6

Should’ve done better with an early headed chance at a corner but defensively solid. Surprisingly hooked on the hour mark despite looking comfortable in midfield. Looked baffled on his way off the pitch.

Manuel Ugarte – 7

Lost the ball on a few occasions with a stray pass or by running into trouble but was important in keeping United’s clean sheet and won loads of tackles while managing some valuable interceptions and clearances.

Patrick Dorgu – 8

His brilliant low cross for Benjamin Sesko went to waste but Dorgu then put United 1-0 up with a sublime controlled volley. He forced another good save from Aaron Ramsdale and also deflected Fabian Schar’s goalbound shot wide before clearing the danger at the resulting corner. Dangerous going forward all game. Probably his best 90 minutes for the club.

Mason Mount – 7

Led the way with his off-the-ball work and some good link-up but was taken off at half-time, presumably with a knock. If so, another concern for Amorim.

Matheus Cunha – 6

Seemed to thrive on being the talisman of the United attack first half. Tested Aaron Ramsdale with a low strike before swiping another wide at the near post. His influence faded in the second half though when Newcastle dominated. Still put in the hard yards off the ball but booked for a daft late challenge in stoppage-time.

Benjamin Sesko – 6

A better showing. Could’ve done better from Dorgu’s low cross but then good footwork led to a saved Cunha shot and was unlucky to hit the crossbar from 12 yards seconds before coming off.