Manchester United’s defeat to Everton in the previous game was a total disappointment, with the Red Devils losing 1-0.
It was a flat performance against a team reduced to 10 men, and Ruben Amorim’s tactics and substitutions were uninspired.
Amid poor displays all over the pitch, Amorim substituted Patrick Dorgu before the hour mark. The Dane had played without intensity or quality.
Who was the most DISAPPOINTING Man Utd player vs Everton?
This did not change with his replacement Diogo Dalot, but it underlined Amorim‘s doubts over Dorgu.
Dorgu has been in and out of the side all season. Amorim’s actions have shown his concern. And now he has put these thoughts into words.
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
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Ruben Amorim on Patrick Dorgu
Ruben Amorim discussed his worries over Patrick Dorgu in comments made ahead of Manchester United’s match with Crystal Palace.
Dorgu is not in our predicted line-up for the fixture, and Amorim’s statement explains why.
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Ruben Amorim on Patrick Dorgu
Are these comments too harsh?
“You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety.”
Ruben Amorim
The head coach said: “I don’t know what is going to happen in January. What I feel, when I see them training, they are doing so much better than in games.
“Patrick, when I see him playing for the national team, he scored a great goal against Scotland. The decision he made under pressure was completely different to the decision he is making in our team.”
Amorim referred to Dorgu scoring a goal for Denmark in their World Cup qualifier against Scotland last week.
He is yet to score a goal for Manchester United since he signed for the club in January 2025.
Amorim added: “He needs to be calmer playing the game. You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety.”
Dorgu had one chance against Everton and wildly sliced it off target.
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Dilemma for United at wing-back
Manchester United have a dilemma at the wing-back position, and this is made a little tougher by Amad and Noussair Mazraoui leaving for the AFCON next month.
United invested in Dorgu, he became the club’s first signing under Ruben Amorim.
But with the Dane starting only seven of 12 Premier League games this season, he has work to do to win his coach over.
Amorim’s comments show how he can do that. He needs to be calmer on the ball, but this is easier said than done.
The pressure and scrutiny at United is more intense than anywhere in the world, and Amorim’s comments will only turn up the heat.
One alternative for United is to spend big on Bournemouth’s Antoine Semenyo, who is available in January due to his release clause.
Semenyo plays predominantly further forward, but could be a fit at the wing-back role, even on a part-time basis, while Dorgu gets up to speed.