A Manchester United legend has called out two defenders and said Rúben Amorim should look into replacing them in the January transfer window.
Following United’s disappointing 2-2 draw against Sean Dyche’s Nottingham Forest side, fans have made their frustration clear regarding Diogo Dalot’s form and Ruben Amorim’s favouritism shown towards the Portuguese full-back.
It has been clear throughout the season that Manchester United are desperate for a stronger left wing-back, as Diogo Dalot has played out of position in the role, which has been noticeable with his recent poor performances in the Premier League. As well as Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu being plagued with injuries and has never really provided the side with a decent run of solid performances.
Dalot has played nine games for the Red Devils this season, providing only one assist for Amorim’s side, along with numerous costly errors that have put the side under serious pressure throughout the matches.
The Portuguese international’s career at Old Trafford has never really taken off, consistently being a mediocre option and a weaker point in the side.
Patrick Dorgu has shown promise under Ruben Amorim, but has failed to secure his place in the side, whether due to injury or poor performances. United fans know the 21-year-old still has time to develop, which is a sentiment shared by legendary winger Lee Sharpe, who shared his opinion on both full-backs.
Lee Sharpe’s take on United’s ‘struggling’ wing-backs
In an interview with AdventureGamers, Lee Sharpe commented on United’s weaker side of defence, explaining: “Both Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu have struggled at left wing-back for Manchester United this season.
“I’ve always thought Dalot is a bit sloppy in his decision-making at times – he gives the ball away cheaply and gets caught out of position defensively. I also don’t think he gets close enough to wingers when they’re crossing the ball, so there’s a few things in his game that I feel need improving.”
The former England international was critical of Dalot’s defensive performances, but was more hopeful of United’s other wing-back option: “Dorgu looks like he could become quite a good player, but he’s had a couple of injuries and is a bit inconsistent with his form, so he’s not quite ready to be relied on just yet.”
However, the United legend went on to say: “It’s an area Man United would want to look at in January or next summer.”
These comments echo what the majority of fans around Old Trafford think about the current situation regarding United’s wing-back dilemma, and it is an issue that Amorim must address sooner rather than later.
Having to play a right back out of position could work in the short-term, but for the long-term, Amorim must have to put trust in Dorgu or sign another left wing-back.
Is Amorim halting Dorgu’s development?
During United’s 2-2 draw at the City Ground, Amorim brought on Dorgu for Dalot in the 68th minute, where he made an instant impact and revitalised the left-hand side, providing bags of energy and bringing a more attacking mentality to the position. This was vital as the Red Devils were searching for a much-needed equaliser after a poor second-half performance.
Although Dorgu was Amorim’s first senior signing, the Dane has not been particularly favoured by the manager, who has decided to play a right-back by trade on the left-hand side of the pitch. This has left fans confused as Dalot continues to produce sub-par performances whilst the younger, hungrier 21-year-old only makes cameos off the bench.
Dorgu provides the side with a more creative spark, but does have defensive vulnerabilities, which is why Amorim may favour Dalot, who he knows may be traditionally more secure for the defence as a whole.
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Without a proper run of games in the side, Dorgu’s development may stagnate, which would force United into signing a proven wing-back. Playing an underperforming player out of position over Dorgu must also affect his confidence, which in turn could result in nervous appearances off the bench.
Amorim must sort out the left-hand side of the squad sooner rather than later, and personally, I believe giving Dorgu a chance would be the best option long-term. If this doesn’t work out, he could find a replacement in January, which also provides more competition for the position.
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