One Manchester United star showed he could become Rúben Amorim’s secret weapon next season after a “very encouraging” pre-season display against Leeds.
Manchester United began their pre-season with a 0-0 draw against Leeds United in Stockholm. Rúben Amorim’s side faced early pressure from their Premier League rivals but settled into the game as the first half progressed.
Chido Obi saw a couple of half-chances fall his way, while new signing Matheus Cunha showed flashes of quality in attack. United looked eager to play on the front foot, but they couldn’t find a breakthrough before half-time.
Amorim rang the changes after the break, bringing on Kobbie Mainoo, Leny Yoro, and Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu among others. The new-look side looked more composed and kept better control of the game in the second period.
Despite a late push and a series of chances towards the end, United couldn’t convert their pressure into goals. Leeds also had moments of promise, but the match ended goalless in front of a lively Swedish crowd.
Dorgu was encouraging against Leeds
It was a surprise to see that Amorim had chosen to start Diego Leon at left wing-back, but Amorim seemed intent on selecting XIs that were a mix of both first and second-string players across the 90 minutes.
When Dorgu came on in the second half, he looked very bright, pushed very high up the pitch, and linked with his teammates well.
The Danish international completed 21 of his 26 appointed passes, had 38 touches, and put in two across, as well as getting off three shots.
He looked bright and light on his feet, which are essential for Amorim’s wing-backs, and had a “very encouraging” display that puts him in good stead to improve across the rest of pre-season.
If Dorgu can improve his end product and become more involved in the final third, he could very well morph himself into a secret weapon on the left flank for Amorim next season.
Good individual displays provide hope for United
As the game was the first pre-season fixture for United and the first time many of these players had played in over a month, it’s expected that their performance would be a little disjointed. However, positive displays from individual players will give Amorim hope.
Aside from Dorgu, Cunha, Mainoo, Yoro, and Heaven were fantastic, while Diogo Dalot and Amad both looked sharp, too.
Amorim will start playing a more rounded starting XI as the summer weeks tick on ahead of the Arsenal fixture next month, and new signing Bryan Mbeumo will also join his new teammates on Tuesday, and good individual performances will help guide his first-team selection.
Particularly for Dorgu, it will be interesting to see how he clicks with Cunha as the pair start to play together, having played in separate halves against Leeds.
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