Heaven eyes top-four spot as Man Utd 'belong in Europe'

Ayden Heaven says Manchester United "belong in Europe" and he believes "anything is possible" after their 1-0 win over Newcastle United.

Patrick Dorgu's stunning first-half volley was enough to secure United all three points at Old Trafford on Boxing Day, despite being without the injured Bruno Fernandes.

They won a Premier League game in which their captain did not feature for the first time since a 3-2 win over Tottenham in March 2022 under Ralf Rangnick.

But, despite having just 33.4% possession – their lowest in a league match this term – and facing 16 shots, they managed to claim their second clean sheet of the season, having only previously shut out Sunderland.

For the first time under Ruben Amorim, United started a Premier League game with a back-four formation, and Heaven was thrilled with how the team adapted to the change.

"Finally, a clean sheet. We've been waiting for this, and I'm just so happy," he told Sky Sports. "[Patrick Dorgu] helped us get there, so thankful to everyone that helped us.

"It was a different [system] again. I was playing on the right side, obviously, my weaker foot. The manager, we play loads of formations with him, whatever he does, we know it's going to work, you saw. I'm so proud of the team.

"I think, as Manchester United, we belong in Europe. We want to get back there next season, so we can even push for the top four, possibly win the league, anything's possible. We want to keep trying."

United moved up to fifth in the Premier League table with the victory, and only sit behind fourth-placed Chelsea due to their inferior goal difference.

After only winning four of their first 14 home league games under Amorim (D2 L8), United have since won five of their last eight fixtures at Old Trafford (D2 L1).

Amorim acknowledged the victory was a little nervy, with Benjamin Sesko and Diogo Dalot both missing gilt-edged chances to seal the win, while Newcastle piled on the pressure at the other end. He was delighted that they held on for all three points.

"We need to suffer all together in the stadium," the Red Devils boss told Sky Sports. "In the game, [it was] really difficult for us.

"I think we did a good first half, and then in the second half, we just defended, tried to do something with [Matheus] Cunha. We had the opportunities in the second half with transitions, but it was a good win.

"But I had so many games here, saying we played very well and didn't get the three points. This was the opposite. I think we suffered together, and we managed to win the game.

"I think we spent a lot of time with each other. We had some low moments, and that sometimes can bring good things to the group, but it's good to have that feeling to have the experienced players helping the kids, understanding we are suffering.

"It doesn't matter if you're outside the pitch; you can play the game, and I think everyone played the game."

Mason Mount was substituted at half-time, with Jack Fletcher, son of United great Darren, replacing him at the break. Amorim noted his removal was mainly precautionary, as he continues to battle with absences in his squad.

"He felt something at half-time," Amorim said of Mount. "He wanted to go in the second half, but cannot lose more players, and if you are not 100%, Jack [Fletcher] did a very good job."