Patrick Dorgu revealed his match-winning volley during Manchester United's 1-0 victory over Newcastle United was only possible after practising the finish in training. 

Dorgu scored the only goal at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, crashing a stunning first-time effort into the bottom-left corner, despite the best efforts of Aaron Ramsdale. 

Indeed, in what was his 38th game and his 31st shot for the Red Devils, the Denmark international found the back of the net for United for the first time in all competitions. 

United have now scored 13 goals from set plays (excluding penalties) in the Premier League this season – more than any other side. It is also the most by the Red Devils in a league campaign since 2017-18 (15).

But more importantly, it was a result that moved Ruben Amorim's team up to fifth in the table and on to 29 points, though fellow top-four chasers Chelsea, Liverpool and Sunderland will all have a chance to move back above them this weekend. 

For Dorgu, however, he was thrilled to open his account for United, while also explaining the role Amorim had in his goal leading up to their clash with Newcastle. 

"It was a good hit. I didn't know I could do that, but I was very happy to score my first goal in this stadium as well. It was amazing," Dorgu told Sky Sports. 

"I just took what he [Ruben Amorim] told me to work on my confidence and stuff. I think I did well today. I just looked at the ball, saw it drop, and I just hit it.

"I've been practising in training, so I think that's what helped me."

1 - In his 38th game and with his 31st shot for the club, Patrick Dorgu has scored his first Manchester United goal in all competitions. Worthy. pic.twitter.com/h6zke3BidS

— OptaJoe (@OptaJoe) December 26, 2025

United's victory was made even more impressive given they were without the likes of Bryan Mbeumo and Amad Diallo, who are on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations, as well as Bruno Fernandes, who sustained an injury against Aston Villa. 

Indeed, they won a Premier League game in which Fernandes did not feature for the first time since a 3-2 win over Tottenham in March 2022 under Ralf Rangnick. The Red Devils had lost five of their last six league games without the midfielder between that match and today (D1).

And after only winning four of their first 14 home top flight games under Amorim (D2 L8), United have since won five of their last eight league fixtures at Old Trafford (D2 L1).

Amorim, however, was quick to highlight the influence Dorgu had on the game, with the 21-year-old deployed on the right-hand side of midfield rather than at full-back. 

"You put him in one position that is more in front the responsibility is not the same," Amorim added.

"He has more freedom to lose the ball and I think it helped Patrick to play better, so they just need to understand. Even Manu [Ugarte], I think Manu had a very good game.

"They need to understand you can have a good day and the next day can be worse, and you have to deal with that and train well and go forward."