Ruben Amorim has revealed that he can feel 'anxiety' every time one of his Manchester United players is on the ball ahead of their Premier League match against Crystal Palace.
Both the head coach and supporters will be hoping for an improved performance at Selhurst Park on Sunday, following a disappointing 1-0 loss against Everton earlier this week. Despite playing against 10 men for most of the match, thanks to Idrissa Gueye's bizarre sending off, the Red Devils could not find a way through.
One man that Amorim has called out specifically, though, is Patrick Dorgu. Despite starting eight of United's opening 12 league fixtures this season, the £25.3m January signing hasn't looked consistently assured in possession, which has led his manager to make an alarming confession.
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Amorim Makes Dorgu Confession Ahead of Palace vs Man Utd
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United dribbles with the ball.
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United breaks with the ball during the Premier League match Manchester United vs Chelsea at Old Trafford, Manchester, United Kingdom, 20th September 2025 (Photo by Mark Cosgrove/News Images)
Speaking ahead of the match, Amorim said that he believes Dorgu is struggling with the pressure of playing for United. He added that the left-back looked much more confident when away on international duty and has urged the 21-year-old to be calmer at club level.
"You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety," Amorim said. "When I see Patrick playing for the national team, he scored a great goal against Scotland and the decision that he made under pressure was completely different than the decision he's making in our team. I think it's the decision, he needs to be calmer playing the game.
"I remember the shot against Everton. That was easier than the decision he had to make when a guy from Scotland was there. I saw it when he played in Italy.
"But again, here is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning. He has time to improve."
Watch What Amorim Said Below:
Amorim Wants More From Dorgu and Dalot
diogo dalot
Diogo Dalot has filled in at left wing-back whenever Dorgu hasn't started for United in the Premier League this season. But the Portuguese international has also struggled in that position, which has led to Amorim demanding better from both his options there.
The head coach also refused to rule out signing a replacement when the transfer window opens in January or next summer, stating: "We have time to think about that. I don't know what’s going to happen in January.
"What I feel when I see them (Dorgu and Dalot) training, they are doing so much better than in games. So I just need to understand the context in trying to help them. I think they are far from the best, and they know it – like a lot of players in our team and like myself."
United Hoping to Break Winless Run
Manchester United's Leny Yoro looks dejected
Manchester United's Leny Yoro looks dejected after the match REUTERS/Phil Noble
One of Dorgu or Dalot will start Sunday's match against Palace, as United bid to halt a run of three games without a win. Having recorded three consecutive victories, draws to Nottingham Forest and Tottenham, followed by their loss against Everton, have halted their momentum.
The Red Devils face a stern test against Oliver Glasner's men, though, who currently lie in sixth place on 20 points. United will hope that fatigue will set in for the hosts, after their 2-1 loss against Strasbourg in the Europa Conference League on Thursday night.