Manchester United signed Patrick Dorgu from Italian outfit Lecce in a deal worth around £30 million in the winter transfer window.
Dorgu endured a steep learning curve after swapping Serie A for the Premier League, but glimpses in pre-season hinted at his adaptation.
Speaking to the Manchester Evening News, Dorgu revealed the role manager Ruben Amorim expects him to play.
He said: “I think just a lot of runs, like being more attacking. I could have been more attacking last season and I feel like in pre-season I’ve improved that a little bit.
“It’s just to attack more [Amorim’s message], get into the box, help the team create more chances.
“I like to tackle, I like to attack, I like to score goals, gain assists, so I think just to play wing back, you need to be all around, you need to be good at tackling, you need to be good at defensive work as well.”
Patrick Dorgu will be critical to United’s success
Amorim fields his side in a 3-4-2-1 formation that heavily relies on the success of wing-backs.
Dorgu was far too defensive in his approach during his first five months at Old Trafford.
Things look set to change, and his performance against Arsenal in the opening Premier League game proved it.
The 20-year-old hit the woodwork in the first half with an explosive shot from outside the box.
He won the most tackles (3), and drew four fouls.
With Harry Amass expected to leave on loan this week, Diego Dalot and Diego Leon will act as his back-ups.
Advice from Amorim clearly suggests that the head coach wants Dorgu to operate more as a winger and not just as a regular full-back.
If Dorgu is able to improve his ability to cross the ball and play incisive passes, he could be a fantastic asset to the team.
Unfortunately, United do not have a lot of time to wait for him to flourish.
After a defeat to Arsenal and a draw with Fulham, extracting positive results is necessary to secure Amorim’s future at the club.
Stats from Fotmob.com & Transfermarkt.com