Ruben Amorim has expressed his awareness of the challenges facing left wing-back Patrick Dorgu at Manchester United, acknowledging the player’s struggle with pressure. Amorim noted that Dorgu’s anxiety becomes particularly evident during matches, yet he remains optimistic about the young player’s potential for improvement.
In a recent interview, Amorim discussed Dorgu’s performance, particularly focusing on the contrast between his international play for Denmark and his club outings. Dorgu, who joined Manchester United from Serie A’s Lecce for £25.2 million last January, showcased his abilities on the international stage with a crucial goal against Scotland in a November World Cup qualifier. Amorim described this moment as confusing, given Dorgu’s apparent struggle to replicate that form for his club.
“He needs to be calmer playing the game,” Amorim said, reflecting on Dorgu’s performance during a 1-0 defeat to Everton. “You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touched the ball. I can feel the anxiety.” He contrasted this with the goal Dorgu scored for Denmark, highlighting the composure shown under pressure, a stark difference from a missed opportunity against Everton where Dorgu’s rushed attempt went well over the bar.
Amorim emphasized the importance of understanding the context in which Dorgu plays, noting that his decisions with Denmark contrast sharply with those made under the scrutiny of the Premier League. “The decision that he made under pressure was completely different to the decision that he is making in our team,” he stated. “I think they are far from the best and they know it.”
Assessing Dorgu’s Impact in United’s Wing-Back System
Wing-backs play a critical role in Amorim’s tactical approach, and the manager has been monitoring Dorgu’s contributions closely. Despite having just one assist in seven Premier League starts this season, Dorgu’s potential is evident, especially when compared to his international performances. In total, he has registered three goals and an assist in just over 600 minutes of play for Denmark since his debut last September.
In contrast, Dorgu’s time at Manchester United has been marked by difficulty in making a significant impact. He was unable to record a single goal involvement in his first 12 Premier League appearances last season, and this season, his xG (expected goals) stands at just 0.7 from seven shots. This indicates a lack of opportunities in threatening positions, a far cry from his time at Lecce, where he had 36 goal attempts in a half-season.
Amorim has also indicated potential tactical adjustments, with the return of Luke Shaw to fitness presenting options for the left wing-back position. Additionally, Harry Amass is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, and Diego Leon, a summer signing, has been primarily playing for the U21 team.
As Manchester United prepares for their upcoming match against Crystal Palace, the focus remains on Dorgu, who must elevate his game to align with Amorim’s vision. The manager expressed confidence in the player’s capacity for growth, stating, “He has time to improve.”
For United to succeed under Amorim’s system, their left-sided wing-back must become a more influential presence. Until then, the spotlight remains on Patrick Dorgu to harness his potential and overcome the pressures of playing for one of the world’s most storied football clubs.
