Dorgu: We're playing like more of a team

The squad's spirit has been evident in coming from behind to earn points away to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham Hotspur recently, with the dramatic comeback at Spurs coming in particularly trying circumstances with the Reds down to 10 men.

Even last time out, at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the disappointment to concede an equaliser seconds before half-time was soon overcome with a powerful second-half display at Molineux that yielded a 4-1 victory.

There were real signs of unselfishness, too, on Monday night, as Matheus Cunha passed to Bruno Fernandes, who eventually found the net for the opener, and Diogo Dalot opted to square to allow Bryan Mbeumo to tap in and regain the lead.

Perhaps it was evidence of the sort of approach most managers and coaches look for, and Dorgu certainly believes everyone is on the same wavelength when it comes to striving to pick up points and maintain a good position in the Premier League table.

"I think we play more as a team now," he replied, when asked by club media about what has changed from last season.

"We try to get everyone involved and we just need to keep going and hopefully do well.

"We’re still in a good position in the league."

Dorgu appreciates the value of the squad, with resources set to be tested by the absence of Noussair Mazraoui, Amad and Mbeumo, when they compete in the Africa Cup of Nations.

The wing-back came on as a substitute at Molineux to make his 15th appearance of the campaign. The only game he has not featured in was the 3-2 home win against Burnley.

When pressed on whether the biggest improvement has been on or off the pitch, he said: "I think it’s both. We’re more together this season than when I came in the beginning.

"The pre-season was good too, to integrate everybody and bond the team and obviously the few results we had before the international break helped us as well to get that team spirit in. I think we bonded well off the pitch too, so that’s good."

The Denmark international is pleased with how he's handled the big move from Lecce, with the anniversary of the transfer coming on 1 February next year.

"It's been good," he added. "I have my own place and my family come and visit me a lot.

"It's nice, it's chilled and a good place to live. I like to eat, to chill and play video games with my friends. I watch Netflix and YouTube, whatever.

"I've learned a lot and I think I've adapted to the league well, so I'm happy with the first year."

Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu will be the main feature interview in the Boxing Day edition of United Review, the official matchday programme, when Newcastle United visit Old Trafford for the festive fixture.