Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has delivered a concerning assessment of his first signing at Old Trafford, revealing that defender Patrick Dorgu plays with visible 'anxiety' during matches.
Struggles Since £25m Move
The 21-year-old Danish international became Amorim's inaugural signing as United boss when he completed a £25 million transfer from Italian side Lecce in February 2025. The move was intended to bolster United's defensive options within Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system.
However, Dorgu has failed to establish consistency since arriving at the Theatre of Dreams, with his manager now openly discussing the psychological challenges affecting his performances.
Speaking ahead of United's crucial Premier League fixture against Crystal Palace on Sunday, Amorim made the startling admission that he can 'feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball' during United matches.
Training Ground vs Match Day Contrast
Amorim highlighted the stark contrast between Dorgu's training performances and his matchday displays, pointing to the player's recent international form as evidence of his underlying quality.
'When I see them training they are doing so much better than in games,' Amorim stated. 'Then Patrick, when I see him playing for the national team, he's scored a great goal against Scotland this month. The decision that he made under pressure was completely different to the decisions he's making in our team.'
The United boss referenced a specific moment from Dorgu's recent club performance, noting: 'I remember the shot he had against Everton, which he dragged wide. That was easier than the decision that he had to make against Scotland.'
Broader Defensive Concerns
The issues extend beyond Dorgu, with fellow defender Diogo Dalot also failing to reach his potential according to Amorim. The Portuguese manager acknowledged that neither player is performing 'at their best' and both have 'more to give'.
United's defensive frailties have been evident throughout the season, with the team shipping 19 goals in just 12 league games and managing only one clean sheet. This has contributed to their disappointing 12th place position ahead of the trip to Selhurst Park.
Amorim identified specific problems in United's defensive organisation, stating: 'We are being really soft near the box. We need to improve that in the last games, especially against Nottingham Forest. We allowed a lot of crosses, we didn't press well in moments.'
He emphasised that the defensive issues are systemic rather than individual, explaining: 'I think the issue is not about the defenders. It's about the team and the way we feel the danger near our box.'
The United manager remains committed to helping his struggling signings adapt, concluding: 'They are far from their best, and they know it. Like a lot of players in our team, like myself. I just look at them, and think they have so much more to give.'
