Ruben Amorim says Manchester United’s resilient defensive display in 1-0 win over Newcastle shows a spirit that can secure many victories.
LONDON: Ruben Amorim (pic) believes the fighting spirit shown in Manchester United’s 1-0 win over Newcastle can win his side many games.
United weathered a second-half storm at Old Trafford to secure a Boxing Day victory with Patrick Dorgu’s superb 24th-minute volley.
The hosts recorded just 33.4% possession, their lowest in the league this season, and faced 16 Newcastle attempts.
This was United’s first clean sheet in 10 games, with the last coming in a 2-0 win over Sunderland on October 4.
Amorim said the manner of the win, following victories over Liverpool and Chelsea this season, was particularly satisfying.
“Especially if you see the second half,” he said. “We managed to defend sometimes with a back six but we suffer together and that is a good feeling.”
“If we have always this spirit we are going to win so many games. I think it is something we need to feel, that we can win sometimes without playing so well, we can win games with the spirit and with a togetherness in the team.”
Dorgu delivered his best 45 minutes in a United shirt in the first half, stepping up in the absence of the injured Bruno Fernandes.
Amorim, who had recently demanded more from the winger, praised his performance.
“Maybe the game today with a lot of transitions is good for his pace, for his ability to drive with the ball,” the manager said.
Several Newcastle players collapsed at the final whistle after failing to break down a strengthened United defence.
Lisandro Martinez made his first start since February in a back four.
Defeat leaves Newcastle with only one win and six points from nine away games this season.
Manager Eddie Howe was left disappointed by the result.
“It’s a difficult one for us to work out because I thought there was a real opportunity for us tonight,” Howe said.
“The second half was much better, we controlled the game much better, we created chances but not the outstanding chances you need to score so we’re desperately disappointed.”
