Dorgu’s stunner will steal the spotlight, but this United firecracker was the true heartbeat of the team in win vs. Newcastle

Manchester United held on for all three points as they beat Newcastle 1-0 at Old Trafford. Here are our player ratings from the game. (A score of 6 is around average) Senne Lammens 7 – Excellent save from a corner early on. Dominated in the air and left nothing to chance all game. Diogo Dalot 5 – Steady performance in a restrained role. The system change likely explains the absence of his characteristic forward runs. Had a golden chance to put the game to bed but missed from close range. Ayden Heaven 7 – Rock-solid performance! He showcased a brilliant blend of composure and aggression, was excellent in possession, and did a superb job of nullifying the dangerous Nick Woltemade. Lisandro Martinez 7 – Captain’s performance, leading by example. Ever composed and kept things tight at the back. Secure on his return, the highlight of which was an amazing block in the second half while the Magpies were hunting for an equaliser. Luke Shaw 6.5 – Thrived after reverting to his natural fullback role. He seized every opportunity to surge forward and join the attack. Astute display! Casemiro 4 – Early chance to give United the lead but he couldn’t quite direct his header on target. Recklessly gave the ball away a few times. Manuel Ugarte 5 – Shaky start but grew into the game as it progressed. Mason Mount 6 – He was doing well, finding himself in good positions and setting the tone in Bruno Fernandes’ absence, but picked up an injury which saw him taken off at the break. United missed him in the second half. Patrick Dorgu 8 – Stunning strike to give United the lead, and just grew in confidence after that. Primarily played in the right wing and contributed effectively at both ends of the pitch. Matheus Cunha 8 – He didn’t score, but his influence was immense. Proactively shouldered creative responsibility with Fernandes sidelined and made incisive runs that pushed United up the pitch and effectively took the sting out of the game. Benjamin Sesko 5 – Held up the ball well but yet again, couldn’t finish the two chances that fell to him in either half. Substitutes Jack Fletcher 5 – Big 45 minutes in the tank but an uneventful appearance for the Carrington academy graduate. Still, a proud moment for him and his family. Joshua Zirkzee 3 – Absolutely horrific cameo. Couldn’t make the ball stick and was just off the pace. Leny Yoro 5 – Tested by Anthony Gordon. Tyler Fredricson 5 – On for the dying embers. Helped United get over the line. Tyrell Malacia 5 – Same as Fredricson. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Derick Kinoti Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the Premier League extensively for years. His work blends sharp analysis, tactical insight, and engaging storytelling that resonates with fans around the world. Derick has gained valuable experience in football journalism, developing strong expertise in SEO writing, digital content creation, and social media engagement. A tech enthusiast with a Computer Science degree from the University of Nairobi, he ultimately swapped code for football commentary, bringing an analytical, detail-oriented approach to his writing. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!