Patrick Dorgu is expected to return for Manchester United this coming weekend against Aston Villa.
Manchester United’s starting line-up will have a shake-up now that Noussair Mazraoui, Bryan Mbeumo and Amad have all left for AFCON.
Patrick Dorgu is expected to return to the team to replace Amad, with Diogo Dalot likely moving back to the right side.
Manchester United v Everton - Premier League
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Dorgu began the season as one of Manchester United’s starters, but he lost his place, amid Ruben Amorim’s continued faith in Diogo Dalot.
And after United’s home draw with Everton, in which Dorgu disappointed, Amorim expressed his concerns about the Danish international.
Ruben Amorim on Patrick Dorgu
“You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety.”
Ruben Amorim
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Patrick Dorgu’s surprise impact
Ruben Amorim’s publicly expressed concern in Patrick Dorgu will have been tough for the player to listen to, but he has been brought off the bench in each of the past three games.
And while there are certainly aspects of Dorgu’s game that he can work on, he has made an underrated impact on the team this season.
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Dorgu has won 16 tackles, the third-highest in the Manchester United team, with Luke Shaw leading the way with 19.
However, in terms of game time, FBRef show that Shaw has completed the equivalent of 15.2 full 90 minute games, while Dorgu is at only 7.9 full 90s in terms of his overall minutes.
Dorgu has also attempted more tackles (15) in Manchester United’s defensive third, than any other player in the squad.
His combined tackle and interception contribution of 34 in total ranks as the fifth highest in the team, despite his limited minutes.
Ahead of a tough away game against Aston Villa, and a tricky home fixture against Newcastle, Dorgu’s defensive contribution could be key for the team.
United face three away games in the next five over Christmas and the New Year
How many wins will we get from these matches?
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Dorgu return can benefit Benjamin Sesko
Patrick Dorgu’s expected return to the starting line-up could be a big win for striker Benjamin Sesko, who has just come back from injury.
Sesko needs service into the box, and this is where Dorgu has been prolific this season.
Dorgu has attempted 30 crosses, behind only Bruno Fernandes and Bryan Mbeumo.
Considering his limited starting opportunities, this is an impressive statistic and it is one that Manchester United can benefit from in the upcoming games.
Sesko is strong in the air, and if Dorgu can supply him with well-timed crosses, the Slovenian could end up making a decisive contribution.
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