It was a notably tetchy second half for the home fans, who saw their side swap Mason Mount for the teenager Jack Fletcher at half time, and then saw Casemiro replaced by Leny Yoro in the 61st, a change that seemed to signal a change in formation and approach from the home team.

Manchester United's Patrick Dorgu struck in the first half as Ruben Amorim's side held on for an ugly 1-0 victory over Newcastle United on Friday in the year's only Boxing Day fixture to climb to fifth place in the Premier League standings.

Amorim may have learned a lesson in the second half, when a handful of substitutions saw United return to their usual system and lose all control of the game. Thankfully for the boss, Newcastle offered very little threat and failed to make the most of their second-half dominance.

Preview the matchup between Newcastle United and Manchester United with predictions, odds, over/under, betting lines and more.

Manchester United boss Ruben Amorim lauded his team's spirit and togetherness after a depleted squad beat Newcastle on Friday.

"Clean sheet, back four, so I don't need a press conference, Kobbie Mainoo is injured, so all the subjects are covered and we can "go home to enjoy Boxing Day," Ruben Amorim joked after Man United beat Newcastle 1-0.

Typically a huge day for soccer football games in England, Boxing Day this year will feature just one match: Manchester United vs. Newcastle United.