Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a frank assessment of his wing-backs, admitting he can feel the palpable anxiety surrounding Patrick Dorgu whenever the young Dane receives the ball during games.
The head coach confirmed that both Dorgu and fellow defender Diogo Dalot are performing at a significantly higher level in training sessions than they are managing to produce in competitive Premier League fixtures.
The Anxiety Problem
Amorim provided a stark contrast in Dorgu's recent performances. "When I see them training they are doing so much better than in games," the United boss stated. He pointed to Dorgu's recent international display for Denmark, where he scored a superb goal against Scotland, as evidence of his true capability.
"The decision that he made under pressure was completely different to the decision[s] he's making in our team," Amorim observed. "You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel it, the anxiety."
The coach cited a specific missed opportunity during Monday's narrow 1-0 defeat to Everton, where Dorgu dragged a shot wide from a promising position. Amorim noted that this chance was arguably easier than the situation from which he scored against Scotland.
Time to Improve
Despite Dorgu's inconsistent form since his £25 million move from Lecce in February – which made him Amorim's first signing – the manager insists the 21-year-old has ample time to develop and adapt.
"I saw [his quality] when he played in Italy," Amorim recalled. "But again, here [United] is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve."
The manager emphasised that his role is to understand the context and help both Dorgu and Dalot rediscover their best form. "They are far from their best, and they know it," he said, adding that he believes both players have significantly more to offer the team.
Defensive Concerns Ahead of Palace Clash
Looking towards Sunday's crucial Premier League encounter against Crystal Palace, Amorim also addressed his team's broader defensive issues. United have conceded a concerning 19 goals in their first 12 league games this season.
The manager partly attributed this to his tactical setup, which sometimes features a back three including natural full-backs like Luke Shaw and Noussair Mazraoui. He also referenced using wingers like Amad Diallo in wing-back roles, acknowledging it's not their natural position.
Amorim identified a specific area for improvement: "We are being really soft near the box." He pointed to recent matches against Nottingham Forest and Everton, where defensive lapses proved costly, emphasising that the problem is a collective one rather than solely the fault of his defenders.
"I think the issue is not about the defenders," Amorim concluded. "It's about the team and the way we feel the danger near our box." With the visit to Selhurst Park fast approaching, the United boss will be hoping for a swift improvement from his entire squad.
