Rúben Amorim must make a change against Nottingham Forest, as a “dynamic” star should be trusted from the start this weekend.
Manchester United currently sit sixth in the Premier League table after nine matches, with Rúben Amorim’s side now on a three-game winning run after impressive performances against Sunderland, Liverpool and Brighton.
While United have looked much better since the last international break, improvements can still be made if Amorim wants to challenge for a Europa League or Champions League spot this season.
The biggest problem at the start of the season was the double pivot, but a tactical tweak made for the Brighton match could be the solution Amorim has been searching for. Luke Shaw was key to it last weekend, but Matthijs de Ligt has also proved he can play that role.
Despite United’s good run of form, fans remain concerned as the African Cup of Nations is just over the horizon. Amad and Bryan Mbeumo will almost certainly miss almost one month of football, while Noussair Mazraoui could also be called up.
Amorim will be forced to rely on some who he hasn’t given regular game time this season, potentially including Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee, who could both be looking to leave the club in the January transfer window.
Amorim must start Dorgu against Forest
Patrick Dorgu has been in and out of the side this season, with his first poor performance coming against Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup earlier in the campaign.
In recent weeks, Diogo Dalot has taken his place at left-wing-back, but he has been awful. The former Sporting CP youngster consistently finds himself beaten by wingers and struggles to progress the play up the pitch.
During AFCON, Dalot will switch back to right-wing-back with no Amad or Mazraoui available, and Dorgu will be forced into the side on the left flank, unless Amorim wants to rely on young Diego Leon, who scored a brilliant solo goal for the under-21s last week.
Shaw could also play at left-wing-back, but Amorim seems to favour the England international as a central defender. Dorgu, who has been described as “dynamic”, will be forced into the side, so he should be used against Nottingham Forest from the start.
United’s fixture list between now and the start of the AFCON is among the most challenging in the Premier League, so starting Dorgu against Sean Dyche’s side could be a necessity if he wants to be sharp when AFCON hits.
Dorgu must improve defensively
Dorgu has been out of the side due to his poor performances when picked for United, and his defending simply hasn’t been good enough since the season began.
The young Dane often gets beaten by his winger because he doesn’t show them the line or try to stand them up. Dorgu always stands completely square to his opponent, meaning they can usually beat him with just one touch.
It’s a simple fix, but the former Lecce defender must change how he defends one-on-one, or he will find himself without a place at Old Trafford.
Amad – a natural winger – has been better defensively than Dorgu this season. That can’t happen.
Make sure to follow UtdDistrict on X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and TikTok to never miss out on any of our Manchester United content. Our podcast, What the Devil?, is streamed live every Thursday at 12:30 pm (BST) on the United View YouTube channel.