Manchester United are looking ahead to a crucial festive fixture list and January transfer window after bouncing back to winning ways against Crystal Palace
Abbie Meehan Sports Writer U-35s and Neil Docking
07:32, 01 Dec 2025Updated 07:37, 01 Dec 2025
Ruben Amorim made a big call against Crystal Palace
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Ruben Amorim made a big call against Crystal Palace
Manchester United are gearing up for another big week of Premier League action following a vital 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Fixtures are arriving thick and fast as the festive period and January transfer window approaches, with Ruben Amorim seeking to reignite the Red Devils' momentum once more. United's promising spell had been hampered by stalemates against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest before a 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton dealt a crushing blow to the Red Devils, though Amorim encouraged his squad to regroup and bounce back.
A fightback against Palace at Selhurst Park has propelled United into the table's upper half. Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount overturned Jean-Philippe Mateta's spot-kick opener to gain three precious points. Clashes with West Ham and Wolves lie ahead, followed by a home encounter with Bournemouth and a journey to Aston Villa. Here's all the latest developments from Old Trafford.
Amorim sidelines star who 'mocked' him
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu of Manchester United arrives ahead of the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
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Patrick Dorgu was dropped for Manchester United on Sunday(Image: Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim benched Patrick Dorgu for the 2-1 triumph over Crystal Palace, pointing to "anxiety" surrounding the young defender.
The Danish full-back recently appeared to mock Amorim's decision to deploy Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro as a midfield pairing after he 'liked' a social media post that slammed the tactical choice, reports the Mirror.
While Dorgu's demotion to the bench might have seemed like a disciplinary matter, Amorim clarified his reasoning behind the decision. The Portuguese manager explained that he's attempting to find ways to help the defender reach his full potential.
Amorim said: "What I feel when I see them training, they are doing so much better than in games. When I see him playing for the national team, he's scored a great goal against Scotland, the decision that he made under pressure was different to the decision that he's making in our team.
Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim
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Manchester United Manager Ruben Amorim
"So I just need to understand the context in trying to help them. I think they are far from the best, and they know it. Like a lot of players in our team, like myself. I think they have so much more to give. Let's see this week if we improve that."
Drawing attention to the nerves visible during matches, he continued: "He needs to be calmer playing the game. You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touched the ball - I can feel it, the anxiety.
"And I remember the shot [missed] against Everton. That was easier than the decision that he had to make when the guys from Scotland were there, when he made a great decision.
"And I saw it when he played in Italy. But, again, here is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve."
Marcus Rashford wish granted
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona plays during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on November 29, 2025.
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Marcus Rashford has now played at the Camp Nou(Image: Gongora/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Marcus Rashford has realised his ambition of gracing the Camp Nou pitch as Barcelona secured a 3-1 victory over Alaves on Saturday.
The United outcast, on loan in La Liga, made his debut appearance at the club's renovated stadium over the weekend, entering the action as a half-time substitute in the triumph.
Rashford has harboured visions of performing at the legendary venue since his summer arrival, describing it as something he would relish. Speaking previously, the English striker revealed: "It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable.
"Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."
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The 28-year-old has made a strong impression for the Catalan giants so far, netting six goals and providing nine assists across all competitions.
His tally includes a spectacular brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, plus strikes against Olympiacos, Sevilla and Elche, with Barca expected to exercise an option to buy and make his signing permanent next summer in a cut-price £26m deal.