'Can not hit that any better': Stunning goal pushes Manchester United closer to Premier League top-four
Updated . First published
Manchester United have inched closer towards a spot in the Premier League top-four after an "absolute beauty" from Patrick Dorgu against Newcastle.
In the 24th minute, a throw-in from United was deflected by a Magpies defender and Dorgu hit a stunning volley right into the bottom of the net.
Aaron Ramsdale got a hand on the ball, but it wasn't enough to stop Dorgu's strike.
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Patrick Dorgu's goal against Newcastle Stan Sport
"What a shot that is," Conor McNamara said on commentary as Old Trafford erupted.
"Patrick Dorgu, who has never scored for Manchester United and he may never score a better strike than that. That is an absolute beauty."
Jim Beglin then quipped: "He can not hit that any better" as United players celebrated.
The 21-year-old was equally stunned by his piece of brilliant post-game.
"It was a good hit. I didn't know I could do that," Dorgu said.
Patrick Dorgu celebrates scoring his first goal Manchester United via Getty Imag
United were without talismanic captain Bruno Fernandes while several other first-team players were missing due to injury or Africa Cup of Nations duty.
The new-look side also lined up in an unusual back-four formation but it was a match for Newcastle in an even first half most notable for Dorgu's fine strike, his first in 38 games.
The hosts were hampered by the half-time withdrawal of Mason Mount due to injury and Newcastle dominated the early moments of the second period.
The bulk of the chances fell to Newcastle.
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Lewis Hall was unfortunate to see a long-range effort hit the bar after 62 minutes and Anthony Gordon missed the target with a good chance a few moments later.
A late piledriver from Joelinton was also well saved by goalkeeper Senne Lammens.
"Second half was a lot better than the first from our perspective, but we didn't do enough," said Newcastle coach Eddie Howe.
"I felt if we scored we could go on and win the game but it didn't happen.
Newcastle coach Eddie Howe Newcastle United via Getty Image
"We're hugely disappointed. We got better in the second half and played with good rhythm, dominated the ball and it was just the goal that was missing."
United had five academy players in the Old Trafford dugout and England under-19 midfielder Jack Fletcher – son of former player Darren – was one of the youngsters introduced during the second 45 minutes.
Ayden Heaven started in central defense for United, while 20-year-olds Leny Yoro and Tyler Fredricson came on during the second half.
Newcastle now trail United by six points in 11th spot after a poor December when it has won only one of its five Premier League games.
The win catapults Ruben Amorim's side into fifth spot, equal on 29 points with Chelsea and Liverpool, who both still have a game in hand.
