Amorim Delivers Brutal Assessment Before Axing Man Utd Star from Crystal Palace Squad
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim offered a harsh critique of wingback Patrick Dorgu, highlighting the player's visible "nervousness" when in possession according to his coach's assessment. The Danish defender was promptly relegated to substitute duties for Sunday's match against Crystal Palace.
The February 2025 signing appeared to be an unusual choice for United from the start. Dorgu was acquired with the clear purpose of operating as a left wingback, despite demonstrating his finest performances for Lecce in a right wing role. The 21-year-old has appeared more at ease playing as a traditional left back in a four-defender setup for Denmark's national squad, prompting Amorim to express frustration over his enhanced displays at international level.
"You can sense the nervousness whenever Patrick receives the ball," United's manager stated critically, particularly regarding Monday's 1–0 loss to Everton. "I can sense the nervousness."
Earlier this month, Dorgu netted a beautifully composed equalizer for Denmark against Scotland, allowing the ball to travel across his frame before delivering a solid strike into the lower corner. Amorim contrasted that goal with the volley he sent sailing over against Everton as a stark illustration of his inconsistent decision-making capabilities.
"He must be more composed during matches," the United manager expressed with frustration. "You recall the attempt against Everton. That was simpler than the choice he needed to make against the Scottish players.
"He executed an excellent decision, and I witnessed it during his time in Italy. However, the situation here is different, and occasionally the pressure proves challenging for them initially, but he has opportunity to develop."
Dalot Faces His Own Challenges
Dorgu evidently hasn't shown sufficient progress over the following six days, finding himself on the bench at Selhurst Park as Diogo Dalot assumed his position. Nevertheless, the Portuguese wingback wasn't exempt from receiving his own share of criticism.
The offensive output of both players came under scrutiny following United's lackluster defeat to Everton. Dorgu began at left wingback and managed zero successful crosses during an evening that also witnessed him squander a clear scoring opportunity.
Dalot entered as a substitute to replace Dorgu just before the hour mark as Amorim sought methods to penetrate the solid defensive wall established by the 10 remaining Everton players following Idrissa Gueye's early dismissal. The Portuguese replacement failed to register a shot and generated only one hurried opportunity while also struggling to find a teammate with deliveries into the penalty area.
"I believe they [Dorgu and Dalot] are nowhere near their peak and they understand it," Amorim expressed with disappointment before Sunday's encounter with Palace. "Similar to many players in our squad, including myself, so I simply observe them and believe they possess much more to offer."
"What I perceive, when I watch them in training, they perform significantly better than during matches," the United manager continued.
Amorim also reinforced his assertions that United require another offensive-minded wingback signing. "We have opportunity to consider that," he stated when transfer possibilities were mentioned, "I'm uncertain what will transpire in January."
Amorim Criticizes United's 'Weak' Defensive Core
Dalot and Dorgu weren't the only ones receiving criticism. United's complete defensive framework was characterized as weak by their own coach.
"We have achieved some success in preventing numerous teams from reaching the final third, but we are displaying excessive softness around the penalty area so we must enhance that," Amorim complained earlier this week. "[We must be] more robust in challenges and Crystal Palace excel in physical battles and when defending, they demonstrate real strength.
"These elements can alter how you perceive teams, but we must improve in numerous areas. We need to secure our goal because we are finding the net."
Amorim concerningly revealed that these defensive breakdowns aren't due to United being overwhelmed numerically, the players positioned in the box simply aren't contributing enough to halt the opposition.
"You are dominating the match against Tottenham and you have equal numbers when they find the net," he pondered. "We are positioned well, but we must be superior and more assertive. That represents my primary worry."