‎Ruben Amorim Criticizes Patrick Dorgu’s Anxiety on the Ball After Manchester United Defeat

‎Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim issued a direct assessment of wingback Patrick Dorgu, describing the 21-year-old’s visible “anxiety” in possession during recent Premier League matches. The Danish defender was moved to the bench for the club’s fixture against Crystal Palace after struggling in the 1–0 loss to Everton.

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Ruben Amorim highlights Patrick Dorgu’s anxiety on the ball after the loss to Everton, contrasting his struggles at Manchester United with his composed finish for Denmark against Scotland.

‎Robbie Jay Barratt/AMA/Getty Images

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‎Manchester United signed Dorgu in February 2025 with the intention of deploying him as a left wingback, a role that differs from the positions in which he previously excelled. His strongest performances for Lecce came as a right winger, and he has also appeared more settled as a traditional left back for Denmark’s national team.

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‎Amorim pointed to Dorgu’s performance against Everton as a clear example of his difficulty handling pressure. The United manager remarked that supporters could “feel the anxiety every time Patrick touched the ball,” emphasizing that the defender’s decision-making fluctuates significantly from match to match.

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‎Dorgu’s recent international form offered a contrasting highlight. Earlier in the month, he struck a controlled equaliser for Denmark against Scotland, allowing the ball to run across his body before driving it low into the corner. Amorim referenced this finish alongside the volley Dorgu sent over the bar against Everton to illustrate the inconsistency in his choices across different environments.

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‎Amorim stated that Dorgu “needs to be calmer playing the game” and reiterated that adapting to Manchester United brings added pressure for developing players. The manager noted that Dorgu displayed strong decision-making during his time in Italy and affirmed that the young defender has time to continue improving.