Ruben Amorim has started to show glimpses of the quality he can inject into Manchester United’s squad in recent matches, with the 40-year-old starting to make his own stamp on the team.
After his appointment from Sporting CP back in November, there was a real expectation placed upon him by supporters to take them to the next level after Erik ten Hag’s dismissal.
However, it’s undoubtedly taken longer than he and the fanbase would’ve wanted, having an impact on their Premier League standing as a result, still sitting in the bottom half of the table.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim reacts
The victory over Real Sociedad on Thursday night was arguably one of his best displays since taking the reins, coming from a goal behind to secure their place in the quarter-finals.
One player massively impressed, arguably producing his best performance since his own move to Old Trafford over the last couple of months.
Patrick Dorgu’s time at United so far
Left-back Patrick Dorgu joined United in a £30m deal from Lecce during the transfer window, becoming Amorim’s first major signing as the Red Devils’ manager.
The Dane has since cemented his place on the left side of the back five, with his showing against Sociedad on Thursday arguably his best since his winter transfer.
Dorgu-Man-Utd-Premier-League
Dorgu
He won two tackles, the most of any player in the meeting, whilst also winning 11 duels, producing a phenomenal defensive display, something which has rarely been said at Old Trafford this campaign.
However, Dorgu also impressed going forward, registering five efforts on goal and registering nine touches in the opposition's box - offering that marauding presence Amorim desires in his wing-backs.
Despite his showing against the LaLiga outfit, one other player already on the books of the club remains a bigger talent, potentially dislodging him from the starting eleven in the near future.
The United star who’s a bigger talent than Dorgu
United’s academy setup has been up there with one of the very best in the country for many decades, still having the most FA Youth Cup titles of any club.
Alejandro Garnacho has been the biggest player to emerge in recent times, making over 100 appearances since his debut back in the 2021/22 season.
harry amass
However, another player could be set to make that jump in the coming months, in the form of left-back Harry Amass, who has spent the last two years in Manchester after joining from Watford in 2023.
The 17-year-old has been a key member of the academy setup over the last couple of campaigns, making 53 appearances across various age categories - starring at whichever level he features at.
This season, Amass, who’s previously been dubbed “unbelievable” by one analyst, has featured at U21 level in the Premier League 2, not looking out of place despite his tender age.
He’s registered three assists in his 16 outings, fitting the bill for an Amorim wing-back, loving to get forward at any given opportunity and impressing with his crossing ability.
Most assists by players in the Man Utd U21 side (2024/25)
Player
Harry Amass
Jack Fletcher
Daniel Gore
James Nolan
Malachi Sharpe
Finley McAllister
Ethan Ennis
Ashton Missin
Stats via Transfermarkt
The youngster has been named on the bench in each of the last three games in all competitions for the first-team, showcasing the faith shown in him by the manager, with Amass still waiting for his first senior appearance.
He was handed a professional contract in March last year, having a huge future at Old Trafford, with it only a matter of time before he’s handed a chance to shine at the Theatre of Dreams.
While Dorgu undoubtedly remains the first-choice option in such a department, he will be hoping to push on in the North West after his impressive display a couple of days ago.
However, Amass is a player who could provide serious competition in the next couple of years, with the options in the full-back area massively welcomed after their struggles in recent years.
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