It seems that Ruben Amorim remains perpetually under scrutiny at Manchester United.
The Red Devils are purportedly in pursuit of new wing-backs as the January transfer window looms, with manager Ruben Amorim finding it arduous to shore up either flank this season. Following a harsh critique of Patrick Dorgu, who faced a backlash over imprudent use of social media, Amorim’s squad choices for the match against Crystal Palace indicate that the 21-year-old may soon find himself sidelined.
Dorgu, Amorim’s inaugural signing at Old Trafford, was acquired for a sum of £25 million from Lecce in January. The Danish wing-back has floundered, mirroring the struggles of his teammates in his initial half-season, with scant evidence of advancement in this campaign. Recent lacklustre displays have pegged him as a potential Achilles’ heel within the team.
In a scathing evaluation ahead of the Palace encounter, Amorim remarked, “Every time Patrick touches the ball, you can feel the anxiety. It’s palpable. Watching him with the national team, he netted a fantastic goal against Scotland, yet the decisions he executes under pressure differ drastically from those with us. He just needs more composure on the pitch.”
Amorim drew parallels to Dorgu’s chances against Everton, highlighting missed opportunities under pressure. He added, “The setting here is distinct and the initial pressures are formidable. He has time to progress; the aim is to comprehend the context and assist them – both Dorgu and Dalot. They are a far cry from their pinnacle, which they acknowledge. Yet, the potential they harbour is immense.”
Dalot, also struggling to hit any noteworthy form, assumes Dorgu’s position on the left. Meanwhile, Amad Diallo operates deeper in lieu of Noussair Mazraoui at right wing-back, with Mason Mount joining the lineup to fill one of the inverted No.10 roles.
Dorgu’s exclusion comes in the wake of his failure to grasp the heightened scrutiny on social media comments critiquing the manager’s approach and, by extent, the players’ reactions.
While Amorim has not directly addressed Dorgu’s social media misstep, his pre-match assertions imply a quest to replace Dorgu as a top concern.
Discussing the inclusion of Mount and Dalot, Amorim stated, “It’s down to the training regimen. Their performance in practice was excellent, as was that of others. The tactical element is crucial. Mason Mount offers intelligence and retains possession well. He’s intense and can score, providing another threat in the box.”