Ruben Amorim Discusses Patrick Dorgu's Role Switch in Manchester United Debut Against Leicester City

Ruben Amorim Discusses Patrick Dorgu's Role Switch in Manchester United Debut Against Leicester City
9 February 2025 11 Comments Koketso Mashika

Ruben Amorim Defends Tactical Decision

Ruben Amorim, Manchester United's manager, has shed light on a move that left fans puzzled during the FA Cup Fourth Round against Leicester City. Patrick Dorgu, a £25.2m January signing from Lecce, made his Manchester United debut in an unexpected role as a right wing-back. While initially brought in to cover injuries on the left side due to Tyrell Malacia's departure, Amorim opted for a 3-4-3 formation, placing Dorgu on the right.

This decision raised eyebrows, considering Dorgu's primary position as a left-back. However, Amorim was quick to highlight Dorgu's past performances for Lecce, where he has played on both flanks. Emphasizing his adaptability, Amorim remarked, "He has pace, he has strength and is going to improve a lot." This adaptability is crucial in Amorim's strategy, especially when players like Diogo Dalot, known for playing on both sides, are part of the lineup. Such flexibility allows the team to adjust formations and tactics dynamically.

Performance and Future Prospects

Despite the unconventional placement, Dorgu demonstrated promising attributes, with an 82% pass accuracy and executing seven defensive actions in the first half alone. Yet, Dorgu's debut was cut short as he was substituted at halftime amidst United's first-half struggles. The match took a positive turn, though, with United clinching a 2-1 victory thanks to a late goal by Harry Maguire.

Amorim also addressed the challenges Dorgu faced in adjusting to the fast-paced nature of English football compared to Serie A. Yet, he remains optimistic about the young player's future contributions. As United shifts focus to their upcoming Premier League clash against Tottenham, there is anticipation and scrutiny regarding where Dorgu will fit in. Amorim's faith in his player's versatility paints a promising picture of tactical creativity and adaptability, essential in the Premier League's unpredictable environment.

11 Comments

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    Thomas Mathew

    February 9, 2025 AT 23:45
    Dorgu’s not a left-back anymore he’s a tactical weapon 🤯 Amorim’s playing 4D chess while we’re still trying to understand what a wing-back is
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    Dr.Arunagiri Ganesan

    February 11, 2025 AT 05:22
    In India we call this "adjusting the jharoka" - changing the window to let in new wind. Dorgu’s not just filling a spot, he’s breaking the frame. 🔥
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    Frances Sullivan

    February 12, 2025 AT 15:48
    The 3-4-3 implementation demonstrates spatial reconfiguration under positional fluidity. Dorgu’s defensive actions per 90 in Serie A were 5.8; his 7 in 45 minutes here suggests elevated defensive workload density. This is not a stopgap - it’s a systemic recalibration.
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    Clare Apps

    February 13, 2025 AT 20:41
    idk why everyone’s overthinking this. he’s fast, he’s strong, he’s new. let him play. maybe he’s better on the right? 🤷‍♀️
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    Richard Klock-Begley

    February 15, 2025 AT 11:02
    Y’all act like Amorim just threw a kid out there blind. Dude played both sides in Italy. You think the Premier League is gonna scare him? He’s not a rookie - you’re just mad he’s not Malacia 2.0.
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    Nadine Taylor

    February 16, 2025 AT 21:37
    I’ve been watching Dorgu since his Lecce days. He’s got that quiet confidence - doesn’t need to showboat. His passing under pressure? Impeccable. He’s gonna be one of those players you don’t notice until he’s already won you the game. Give him time 🙏
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    jessica doorley

    February 17, 2025 AT 12:47
    It is with profound appreciation for tactical nuance that I acknowledge the strategic acumen demonstrated by Manager Amorim in repositioning Mr. Dorgu. The adaptability exhibited by the player aligns with the evolving paradigm of modern full-back roles in top-tier European football. This is not merely positional flexibility - it is paradigmatic evolution.
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    Christa Kleynhans

    February 17, 2025 AT 18:27
    They subbed him at half because United were getting crushed. Don’t pretend that 82% pass accuracy means he was killing it. He was surviving. Amorim knows this. That’s why he’s keeping him around - not because he’s perfect, but because he’s trainable
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    Kevin Marshall

    February 17, 2025 AT 23:40
    Dorgu’s got that look. You know the one. The "I’m here to earn my keep and no one’s gonna tell me I don’t belong" face. 🤝 He’s gonna be a fan favorite by season’s end. Just wait.
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    Eve Armstrong

    February 19, 2025 AT 22:41
    The data doesn’t lie - Dorgu’s xA in Lecce’s wide 3-4-3 was 0.18 per 90. His defensive duels won were 6.3. Here? He’s already at 7 defensive actions in 45. That’s a 120% increase in defensive output. Amorim’s system is forcing him to become a hybrid. It’s brilliant.
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    Lauren Eve Timmington

    February 21, 2025 AT 19:22
    They’re gonna start him at right wing-back next game. You’ll see. Amorim doesn’t make random moves. He’s testing him in a high-pressing system where width matters more than footedness. And honestly? Dorgu’s left foot is cleaner than Dalot’s. This isn’t a compromise - it’s an upgrade.

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