United's Wing-Back Conundrum Exposed in Tottenham Thriller
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim is already planning a significant January overhaul, with the left wing-back position emerging as a critical area for reinforcement. This follows a dramatic 2-2 draw with Tottenham Hotspur that left pundits questioning the current options at Old Trafford.
Dramatic Points Shared in North London
The match at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday, November 9, 2025, was a rollercoaster. Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half header against his former manager, Thomas Frank, seemed to have set United on course for a valuable away win. However, Tottenham mounted a late fightback, with Mathys Tel equalising in the 84th minute and Richarlison putting Spurs ahead in the first minute of injury-time. United salvaged a point at the death, with Matthijs de Ligt scoring a last-gasp equaliser from a corner, ensuring a chaotic Premier League fixture finished all square.
Pundits Point Finger at Wing-Back Duo
The result leaves Amorim's side eighth in the table, level on points with fifth-placed Spurs, but the performance highlighted specific tactical weaknesses. The wing-back roles are integral to Amorim's preferred 3-4-3 system, and both players used on the left against Tottenham have come under scrutiny.
Patrick Dorgu was handed the start ahead of Diogo Dalot, who had begun the previous weekend's draw with Nottingham Forest. Former Liverpool and Blackburn midfielder David Thompson, analysing the game for Stadium Astro, suggested both could be replaced. "I thought Patrick Dorgu did okay today and was a bit unfortunate to come off," Thompson said. "He works hard but his end-product needs improving... I think going forward United will have to improve in that area."
While Thompson expressed a preference for Dorgu over Dalot, he was unequivocal about Amorim's January plans, stating: "[Will Amorim sign a new left-wing back in January?] 100 per cent."
The debate also involved the experienced Luke Shaw. Thompson questioned whether Shaw still possesses the required athleticism for the demanding role, though he noted the defender's lack of European football this season could aid his recovery.
Former Tottenham defender Gary Stevens offered a contrasting view, preferring Dalot for the time being. "That position is hugely important for Amorim," Stevens emphasised. "You have to make lots of decisions in that position on when to advance... Luke Shaw has the experience to play there but maybe not the athleticism for that role."
Long-Serving Dalot's United Future in Doubt
Adding to the pressure on the current squad, Manchester United title winner Lee Sharpe also believes changes are imminent. Sharpe told Adventure Gamers that both Dalot and Dorgu have struggled this season.
Speaking specifically about Diogo Dalot, who was signed by Jose Mourinho in 2018, Sharpe was critical: "I’ve always thought Dalot is a bit sloppy in his decision-making at times – he gives the ball away cheaply and gets caught out of position defensively." He concluded that left wing-back is "an area Manchester United would want to look at in January or next summer," signalling the end of the road for one of the club's longest-serving players.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, it appears Ruben Amorim is ready to wield the axe to mould his United side into one capable of executing his demanding tactical vision.
