Ruben Amorim has made a bold decision(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt - AMA, Getty Images)
Ruben Amorim has dropped Patrick Dorgu from Manchester United's starting line-up against Crystal Palace. It comes after the defender appeared to mock him on social media.
Earlier this month, Dorgu's Instagram account 'liked' a post criticising Amorim's team selection, leading to speculation about tension between the two.
The post includes a screenshot of a comment from X reading: "Any coach that sees Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes as a viable pivot is one that isn't serious."
There is no definitive proof that Amorim's choice was influenced by Dorgu's online activity. Still, the Denmark international had featured in United's previous two fixtures - a 1-0 defeat by Everton on Monday and a 2-2 draw with Tottenham.
Diogo Dalot has been preferred at left-wing back, with Amad Diallo deployed on the right in front of a back-three composed of Luke Shaw, Matthijs de Ligt and Leny Yoro. Dorgu, meanwhile, must settle for a spot on the bench.
This follows Amorim acknowledging that Dorgu, who squandered a prime opportunity to equalise against Everton, is experiencing a confidence crisis. "You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety," the Portuguese manager explained.
Patrick Dorgu has been left on the bench(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
"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."
United will be desperate for a win after failing to secure victory in their last three league matches. Monday's loss to Everton ended a five-game unbeaten streak, United's longest under Amorim.