Manchester United have moved into the top half of the Premier League with a 2-1 win over Crystal Palace
Ruben Amorim, Manager of Manchester United, looks on prior to the Premier League match between Crystal Palace and Manchester United at Selhurst Park on November 30, 2025 in London, England.
Ruben Amorim dropped a star who 'mocked' him(Image: Warren Little/Getty Images)
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Manchester United are preparing for another week of Premier League fixtures following a vital 2-1 victory over Crystal Palace.
Matches are arriving thick and fast as the festive period approaches, with Ruben Amorim seeking to reignite the Red Devils' momentum once more. Recently, United's positive streak has been interrupted by draws against Tottenham and Nottingham Forest.
A 1-0 defeat by 10-man Everton proved a bitter pill to swallow for the Red Devils, though Amorim has encouraged his squad to regroup and bounce back. A fightback against Palace at Selhurst Park has propelled United into the upper half of the Premier League table.
Joshua Zirkzee and Mason Mount cancelled out Jean-Philippe Mateta's spot-kick opener as three points returned to Old Trafford. Clashes with West Ham and Wolves lie ahead, followed by a home encounter with Bournemouth and a journey to Aston Villa. Here, Manchester Evening News brings you all the latest developments from Old Trafford.
Amorim sidelines star who 'mocked' him
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United during the Premier League match between Manchester United and Everton at Old Trafford on November 24, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Patrick Dorgu was dropped for the win at Crystal Palace(Image: James Gill - Danehouse/Getty Images)
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Amorim omitted Patrick Dorgu from the 2-1 win over Crystal Palace, citing the "anxiety" surrounding the young defender. Recently, the Danish full-back seemed to mock Amorim's decision to deploy Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro in a midfield partnership after he 'liked' a post criticising the tactical choice on social media.
While Dorgu's demotion to the substitutes' bench might have appeared to be a disciplinary matter, Amorim clarified the situation by explaining his reasoning behind the alteration.
Amorim said: "What I feel when I see them training, they are doing so much better than in games. When I see him playing for the national team, he's scored a great goal against Scotland, the decision that he made under pressure was different to the decision that he's making in our team.
"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, like myself. I think they have so much more to give. Let's see this week if we improve that."
Drawing attention to the nervousness visible during matches, he added: "He needs to be calmer playing the game. You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touched the ball - I can feel it, the anxiety.
"And I remember the shot [missed] against Everton. That was easier than the decision that he had to make when the guys from Scotland were there, when he made a great decision.
"And I saw it when he played in Italy. But, again, here is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve."
Marcus Rashford wish granted
Marcus Rashford of FC Barcelona plays during the La Liga EA Sports 2025/26 match between FC Barcelona and Deportivo Alaves at Spotify Camp Nou Stadium in Barcelona, Spain, on November 29, 2025.
Marcus Rashford appeared at the Camp Nou on Saturday
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Marcus Rashford has fulfilled his dream of playing at the Camp Nou as Barcelona secured a commanding 3-1 triumph against Alaves on Saturday. The United loanee made his debut at the club's renovated ground over the weekend, entering the action as a half-time replacement in the victory.
Rashford has harboured visions of performing at the legendary venue since his summer arrival, describing it as something he would relish. Speaking previously, the English striker said: "It's a very nice feeling. It's a beautiful stadium and when it is full it's going to be unbelievable.
"Camp Nou was always one of my favourite stadiums and one I wanted to play in. But to play on it for Barcelona is going to be a different feeling. I cannot wait to be on the pitch. I will enjoy it."
The 28-year-old has excelled during his time with the La Liga giants, scoring six goals and providing nine assists across all competitions. This tally features a magnificent brace against Newcastle in the Champions League, alongside strikes versus Olympiacos, Sevilla and Elche.