Expectations for the Newcastle Clash on Boxing Day
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is gearing up for a real physical battle when Newcastle United visit Manchester United on Boxing Day, with kick-off at 20:00 GMT at Old Trafford.
This will be the first of two consecutive home games at Old Trafford, followed shortly by a visit from Wolverhampton Wanderers. The Reds could be heading into the fixture with a depleted squad due to injuries and players departing for the Africa Cup of Nations.
Despite that, the Denmark international and his teammates are fully prepared for the challenge, and Dorgu believes he knows precisely what to expect from the Magpies.
“I think they press very high,” the wing-back said in an interview with United Review, the official matchday programme, available online and at the stadium on the day.
“They’re very aggressive as a team, they play very direct, and they have a very good midfield that controls the game, so it’s always difficult to play against Newcastle.
“They just fight for every ball; they’re a very aggressive and strong team. I think the physical battle and staying calm on the ball will be important.
“We need to try to keep the ball in their half so they cannot press us so high.”
Manchester United will be without summer signing Bryan Mbeumo for this Premier League encounter, as the forward is on AFCON duty alongside Amad and Noussair Mazraoui.
However, two other summer arrivals, Senne Lammens and Matheus Cunha, will be available for selection — a pair that Dorgu spoke about in his interview.
Praise for New Teammates
Regarding Lammens, with whom he has worked closely in Ruben Amorim’s defensive setup, the Dane highlighted his composure.
“He’s very calm and he’s talking a lot to the defenders, helping everyone on the pitch with his communication.
“He’s just calm and he tries to take responsibility to help us defenders as well.
“He came in well and he’s doing really well, so he just needs to keep going.”
Matheus Cunha will be aiming to score in a third consecutive match when Newcastle arrive, having found the net against Bournemouth and Aston Villa.
The South American is not only posing a threat in attack but has also integrated seamlessly off the pitch, according to Dorgu.
“Yeah, he’s a good personality,” Patrick said. “He’s funny and he just came into the group fast and talked well with everyone.
“He’s a lovely guy, and a good player as well.”
Looking Ahead to the New Year
Turning attention to his own future as the new year approaches, the 21-year-old is very excited about the prospect of making his World Cup debut with Denmark, with a play-off against North Macedonia scheduled for March.
Before that, though, there is plenty of club football to focus on, and Dorgu has clear personal goals.
“The ambition for me personally is to get as many starts as possible and to help the team succeed in our objectives.”
