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- 8 hours ago
Patrick Dorgu: Have Man Utd got another problem position in Ruben Amorim's system?
Suraj Radia
- 28 Nov 2025 06:03 GMT
- 5 min read
Analysis
Much has been made about Manchester United’s midfield struggles but Ruben Amorim’s system has found itself exposed by another problem position that may require significant investment in the January transfer window.
With just under a third of the season played, United find themselves comfortably straddling mediocrity in the Premier League, sitting in tenth place with a goal difference of zero 12 months after Amorim’s arrival.
While United’s three-match win streak last month provided a rare glimpse at their potential, Amorim’s side have failed to win in three games since and still appear just as flawed as the day the Portuguese manager arrived.
United’s team has fundamentally been dependent on the performances of their two-man midfield in Bruno Fernandes and Casemirothat the club will aim to rectify their failure to bring in a midfielder in the summer during the January window.
United’s system is largely dependent on the performance of their two-man midfield in Bruno Fernandes and Casemiro and it is perhaps no surprise that the club are immediately looking to rectify their failure to sign a more suitable option during the summer.
However, Amorim’s tactics have been just as exposed by the lack of quality in the wide areas, particularly at left wing-back, where Patrick Dorgu has yet to show any indication that he is capable of succeeding in a crucial role in the system.
Current ETV
Patrick Dorgu
D, M (L)
Man Utd
Patrick Dorgu
D, M (L)
Man Utd
ETV Range
€28.2M - €34.4M
Despite just arriving at the start of the year, Dorgu’s signing hasn’t solved any problems for United’s team of given faith to Amorim’s system, forcing the club to go back to square one by delving into the market when the window opens in January.
Dorgu represents Man Utd's confusion on and off the pitch
Dorgu was Amorim’s first signing at United and his arrival marked the first investment into the new manager’s system, with a not-insignificant fee of €30 million spent on an unproven youngster who was often playing on the right wing for Serie A strugglers Lecce.
The Danish international has clear potential and his outstanding athletic ability is almost certainly what drew Amorim’s attention. However, Dorgu has still proven raw and indecisive down the left flank of United’s team – a frustrating prospect given how frequently he often finds himself in advanced positions.
No team in the Premier League plays their wing-backs in a higher or wider position than United, while only three sides create more of their attacks down the left flank, yet Amorim’s men have the joint-least shots from that area.
At 21, no-one is expecting Dorgu to be the finished product and any criticism of him is more of a critique of United’s mismatched transfer policy, even with a former Red Devils scout questioning his signing and describing the youngster as a 'dud'.
United have splashed out more than €150m on players in their peak such as Bryan Mbeumo and Matheus Cunha, yet have unproven options in crucial positions like Dorgu and Bejamin Sesko, therefore it is perhaps then no surprise that Amorim’s side is just as confusing and mediocre on the pitch as off it
Ultimately, United will be forced to continue their strategy of investing heavily to make up for previous failures in the market in order to back Amorim, even with massive question marks over his system and potentially his future in the coming months.
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