As a football idealist, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim has specific beliefs about how the game should be played – and the best way to win.
But his usual philosophy was not the one that brought the Christmas present of a 1-0 Premier League win over Newcastle.
For one thing, there was the formation switch.
Amorim joked in September that not even the Pope could persuade him to change, but for the first time since he took charge 13 months ago, he fielded a back four.
For another, victory was achieved with 33.4% possession, their lowest in any game this season. It was United’s lowest percentage of possession in a victory since the 29.4% they had when beating against Manchester City in January 2023.
They had nine shots at Old Trafford compared to Newcastle’s 16. The visitors had 43 touches in their opponents’ box. Amorim’s men had 15.
Yet it was Manchester United who prevailed, thanks to a combination of Patrick Dorgu’s first goal for the club – which was a sublime first-half volley from the edge of the area – and only a second clean sheet of the season.
It wasn’t pretty. But even for Amorim, sometimes there are days when substance trumps style.
“Yes,” was the unequivocal reply when asked if this was one of the ‘most satisfying’ wins of his, at times, tortuous 13 months in charge.
“The feeling is good. If you compared to other games, we suffered so much more today but in certain moments we put everything on the line.
“We are defending every cross. Especially if you see the second half, sometimes we managed to defend with a back six.
“We had so many games when we controlled the opponent so much better, but it is a good feeling to have a clean sheet. We suffered together. If we always have this spirit, we are going to win so many games.”