Patrick Dorgu has admitted that he is finding inspiration from one Champions League star who ex-Manchester United manager Erik ten Hag previously slammed.
Manchester United were in urgent need of a player comfortable in the wing-back role ahead of the mid-season transfer window.
Ruben Amorim’s system relies heavily on two dynamic players who can cover the full length of the touchline, contributing both defensively and offensively.
To address this, the club brought in Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu from Lecce in January for a fee of around £20 million. Since joining, Dorgu has made 12 appearances.
However, his integration into the team faced a setback when he received a three-match domestic ban following a red card against Ipswich Town in February.
United supporters are gradually becoming more familiar with Dorgu, and while he shows promise, there are clearly aspects of his game that still need refinement.
Dorgu reveals inspiration from Davies and Hernandez
Dorgu is well-aware that he needs to improve his game and has outlined decision-making as one area he needs to work on.
The 20-year-old is also keen to watch video of other players across Europe to get inspiration from and pick up aspects of their game to become a better wing-back.
Two of those players are Alphonso Davies at Bayern Munich and AC Milan’s Theo Hernandez – both operate as full-backs but have crucial attacking roles in their respective teams.
“Yeah, I think they suit the position very well,” Dorgu said of Davies and Hernandez when speaking for United’s matchday programme. “They’re very attack-minded and they get forward a lot on the pitch.
“Alphonso Davies plays as a winger in the internationals and he has the quality to play there as well.”
Ten Hag slammed Davies before United clash
Davies is a player who has previously been linked to United before signing a new long-term deal at Bayern Munich.
He was also slammed by ex-United boss Erik ten Hag before the two teams met in the 2023/24 Champions League.
Ten Hag started Facundo Pellistri in that game and said that Davies is “not a great defender” beforehand. The Canadian international blocked a Pellistri shot from going in early on in the match as United lost 4-3.
“Davies is very offensive, a lot of speed, Pelli can match that. He can match that defending but also offensive. He has the capabilities to also go into attack. Davies is not a great defender, so I think it’s a good game for him,” Ten Hag said.
Thankfully, Dorgu’s problems aren’t really in the defensive third and he also has the protection of the back three system to allow him to focus on improving his attacking game.
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