After Rúben Amorim revealed that he feels anxiety when Patrick Dorgu is on the ball, Rio Ferdinand has spoken about how the Danish left-back can improve his game, likening him to a Manchester United legend.
Patrick Dorgu was Rúben Amorim’s first major signing after joining Manchester United, joining from Lecce for £25 million in the winter transfer window.
He instantly had a starting spot in the squad, being the club’s only natural wing-back. Despite this, inconsistent performances have meant that Diogo Dalot, a natural right-back, has been the preferred choice as United’s starting wing-back on the left flank.
Man Utd’s new signing, Bryan Mbeumo, and Amad have developed great chemistry on the right side of the pitch, linking up well in a number of the club’s opening fixtures of the season, but unfortunately, the same can’t be said for the left side.
Though he returned to being United’s starting left wing-back after a run of four games on the bench, a poor performance against Everton has created further questions about Dorgu’s future at the club if performances don’t improve, with Amorim admitting that he thinks the Danish left-back is struggling with the pressure of playing for United, saying “you can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touched the ball. I can feel the anxiety”
Ferdinand reveals the key area Dorgu must improve in
Speaking on Rio Ferdinand presents, the former Man Utd centre-back reflected on the ability that Dorgu can bring to this United side, comparing him to a former team-mate, legendary left-back Patrice Evra.
“He’s got similar attributes to Patrice [Evra]. He’s a great mover, great balance, a willing runner, got a great engine, a powerhouse. And I think that he can improve defensively in his own box, but I think he can improve massively in his decision-making in pass choice in the final third.
“I don’t think there’s much to coach him on in between the boxes. I think he’s really good in between the boxes. I think he gets things right a lot of the time. He can power through, play one-twos, play inside the pitch and keep running and get on the end of things. But then it’s when he gets to the final third, it’s that decision-making. It’s that quality of his final pass which is lacking.
“I think coaching him in those areas and simplifying the game, hit areas. Don’t try and hit people. Don’t try and pick people out sometimes, just hit areas and simplify those moments. He gets into those areas enough in a game that if you coach him enough, I think he could become a very effective part of the team. But I think right now he’s doing everything but the final piece, which is the actual right pass and making the right decision in those areas.
“Patrice, when he first arrived, was by no means the finished article. There was a lot to do. There was a lot to work on, but he had really good attributes that you go, you know what? If I’m basing it just off of this as a foundation, there’s loads to go out here if he’s a winning learner and if he can learn.”
Dorgu could get lost in the shuffle
It’s clear to see that Amorim has frustrations with his current wing-back predicament, especially on the left side of the pitch.
However, with Lisandro Martinez’s return to first-team action against Crystal Palace, Dorgu’s game time could further be hampered.
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It is expected that the Argentine centre-back will slot in as the left-sided centre-back in place of Luke Shaw, who has excelled this season, and will most likely be deployed as United’s starting left wing-back going forward.
With Man Utd loanee Harry Amass also enjoying numerous “quality displays” out on loan at Sheffield Wednesday, there is a chance that the 18-year-old could return next summer with the confidence that he could displace Dorgu and become a regular starter for United.
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