One player proved to Manchester United boss Rúben Amorim that he must make one change to his starting XI against Tottenham after only 22 minutes against Nottingham Forest.
Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest proved to be a tough battle for Manchester United as they pushed Amorim’s side to a 2-2 draw at The City Ground.
A first-half header from Casemiro propelled United into the lead after a quiet first 30 minutes. The goal came from a questionable corner as Forest fans heavily disagreed with the call from the officials. The strong header from United’s Brazilian handed his team the advantage going into the halftime break.
But Forest came out flying with two goals in the first five minutes of the second half. United were unable to deal with Forest’s crosses, leaving Amad to defend a strong Gibbs-White in the air, whose header glided into the side netting.
This was shortly followed by another cross which United were unable to clear. An eager Nicole Savona pounced onto the ball and poked it past Senne Lammens, leaving the travelling United fans in shock.
United have Amad to thank for the equaliser with 10 minutes of the 90 still to play after a headed Forest clearance fell onto the left foot of the Ivorian, who sweetly struck the ball past Mats Sels, earning a point for United.
Patrick Dorgu’s energetic performance must send a message to Amorim
Amorim only made two substitutions against Forest. The first of which came in the 68th minute as Diogo Dalot made way for Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu. The Dane, who turned 21 last Sunday, brought bags of energy to United as they desperately chased a goal.
Dorgu was the first senior signing under Amorim’s management at United, but the wingback has struggled for starts recently as Amorim has favoured Dalot on the left side of the pitch.
United fans have grown tired of the Portuguese international’s consistent lazy defending, as shown in Forest’s second goal, where the 26-year-old watched idly as the ball bounced in front of him and Savona got ahead to give his side the lead from close range.
Dorgu came onto the pitch and instantly made United look more of an attacking threat, advancing high up and creating chances to get more out of the game.
Has Dorgu earned a starting spot in this United XI
Amorim has favoured having a right-footer in the left wing-back and the opposite on the right-hand side, with the attacking threat of Amad, who proved to be crucial for United with his first goal of the season.
Dorgu has shown some vulnerabilities in his play, but Dalot has been too costly in recent times. Frequent poor decisions are being made both in attack and defence, costing United crucial points in the Premier League.
Read more: Ruben Amorim explains why he didn’t bring on Joshua Zirkzee or Mason Mount vs Nottingham Forest
Fans question why United paid £25 million to Lecce for a left-wing back who isn’t breaking into the starting XI, especially considering the difference in quality to Dalot against Forest.
Surely Amorim will make the change against Spurs, who will look to exploit United’s left side with the threat of Mohammad Kudus and Xavi Simons.
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