Man Utd change style and win as Ruben Amorim says: ‘We suffered together’

A football idealist, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has certain beliefs about how the game should be played and the best way to win.

But his usual philosophy wasn’t a 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle as a Christmas present.

First of all, there was the formation key.

Amorim joked in September that not even the Pope could persuade him to switch, but he has fielded a back four for the first time since taking over 13 months ago.

Secondly, the victory was achieved with 33.4% possession; The lowest rate among all matches this season. This was United’s lowest percentage of possession since the 29.4% they had against Manchester City in January 2023.

At Old Trafford they had 9 shots to Newcastle’s 16. The guest team had 43 touches in the penalty area. Amorim’s men numbered 15 people.

However, it was Manchester United who emerged victorious thanks to a combination of Patrick Dorgu’s first goal for the club (a superb volley from the edge of the penalty area in the first half) and only his second clean sheet of the season.

It wasn’t beautiful. But even for Amorim there are days when substance trumps style.

Asked if this was one of his ‘most satisfying’ wins in his sometimes tortuous 13-month tenure, the definitive answer was “Yes”.

“The feeling is good. We suffered a lot more today compared to other matches, but at some moments we risked everything.

“We defend every cross. Especially if you look at the second half, sometimes we managed to defend with the back six.

“We played many matches when we controlled the opponent much better, but it is a good feeling not to concede a goal. We suffered together. If we always have this spirit, we will win many matches.”