Rúben Amorim will be disappointed with one Manchester United star’s “mixed” international performance despite a “superhero” claim.
Manchester United appear to be turning a corner under Rúben Amorim, despite a concerning start to the season under the former Sporting CP manager.
The introduction of Senne Lammens appears to have been crucial for United, who now seem to play a different style with the Belgian in between the sticks.
However, many improvements still need to be made if United want to mount a challenge for the Champions League spots at the end of the season.
The African Cup of Nations will be a huge test for Amorim’s squad, as they will have to deal with several big fixtures without Amad, Noussair Mazraoui and Bryan Mbeumo. Some youngsters, including Shea Lacey, may be called upon to fill the void of Amorim’s starmen.
However, some youngsters may be called up to replace some poor performers in the senior squad. Despite being called up for international duty, one “dangerous” star was very poor and may need to be dropped before United face Everton on Monday night.
Dorgu struggles for second game in a row
Patrick Dorgu joined up with the Denmark squad to face Belarus and Scotland in two sets of World Cup Qualifiers. In the first game, Dorgu struggled to make an impact on the game from left-back in a back four, in a new role for how he plays at Old Trafford.
In the second game, Denmark lost 4-2 to Scotland to lose their automatic qualification spot at the World Cup. Scott McTominay’s bicycle kick kept Dorgu’s side at bay, despite a goal for the current United wing-back.
While he did score, Dorgu was awarded a 4/10 by TV2. On his performance, they said: “A mixed performance from Dorgu.
“He was a few minutes away from becoming a Danish superhero and was somewhat better defensively than against Belarus. But there were also far too many bad crosses from favourable positions.”
Crossing is an essential attribute for Amorim’s wing-backs, so the United manager will not be pleased with Dorgu’s poor showing after a good performance against Tottenham Hotspur before the international break.
Leon and Mantato will push for place during AFCON
Diego Leon was shown in front of the Old Trafford crowd before the start of the season, alongside Matheus Cunha, Mbeumo and Benjamin Šeško. But the young left-back hasn’t played for Amorim’s senior side this campaign.
In recent weeks, Leon has begun to show his potential for the under-21s and could push for a first-team place, especially if Dorgu continues to struggle. Bendito Mantato will also be pushing for a place in Amorim’s squad.
Read More: Man Utd reply to star who ‘wants January loan’ by explaining transfer terms to Serie A giants
Without Amad and Mazraoui, Amorim will be forced to rely upon Diogo Dalot at right-wing-back, but the Portuguese full-back has seriously struggled this season, with many calling for him to be dropped.
Therefore, Mantato could be set for some first-team minutes on the right side of midfield after playing there in pre-season for United’s senior side.
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 14:00 pm (GMT) on the United View YouTube channel.