Despite widespread media criticism, Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu deserves more time to prove himself to be the right fit at the club.
The Situation
The Danish left wing back arrived in January from Serie A side Lecce.
The 20 year old originally played quite well, bombarding down the left wing and providing more energy than the likes of Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui on their weak side.
He had a standout performance in United’s 4-1 win over Real Sociedad in the Europa League, winning a penalty and also using his pace to get a player sent off during the second half.
Nonetheless, he has found the pace of the Premier League hard to adapt to and his performances have tailed off since last month.
Yesterday’s 1-1 draw with AFC Bournemouth was another good example of Dorgu’s recent struggles. He lost numerous duels and was dispossessed for Antoine Semenyo’s opener under pressure.
Whilst he got up and down the pitch well, he was often wasteful in attacking positions, which has characterised his time at Old Trafford to date.
The Challenge
It is perfectly normal that Dorgu is struggling and it is far too early to draw any significant conclusions on him. Joining mid-season is never easy. Just ask Nemanja Vidic and Patrice Evra, who initially struggled after moving to United in January 2006.
Moreover, Serie A is significantly lower in intensity than the Premier League and it usually takes players time to adapt.
Dorgu has spoken of this in a recent interview where he elaborated on how he has had to deal with getting to grips with the speed difference in the league.
What’s more, he is only 20 years old, which is young for a defender and he has many years left to improve his decision making in the final third and defensively.
With the greatest respect to Lecce, being a starter for Man United is significantly more pressure-filled. Any player will need to get used to this, never mind such a young and inexperienced one.
Dorgu also has the raw attributes to succeed under Ruben Amorim. He is fast, physical and can get up and down the left wing all day. Whilst he has not shown much of an attacking threat so far in England, he has shown he has a goal and assist in him in Italy.
Furthermore, it must also be remembered that Dorgu is constantly playing with other players with little experience. He has frequently played with 19 year old Leny Yoro and in attack with 20 year old Alejandro Garnacho ahead of him.
Why United Must Keep Faith
His competition, which includes the likes of Harry Amass and incoming signing Diego Leon, have even less experience than the Dane. If Luke Shaw could stay fit, he could provide a strong challenge, but it is very questionable whether the Englishman would have the engine to play as a wingback. If he is to have a future at United under Amorim, it is more likely to be as a left centre back.
United could opt to go out and get an upgrade on Dorgu in the transfer market. The likes of Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri are proven Premier League players who could fulfil the same role. However, it would not be the best use of United’s limited funds. With the attack, midfield and keeper position all needing work this summer, United aren’t in a position to look for upgrades here.
Furthermore, United’s new leadership is trying to create a context where they can attract the best young talent at home and abroad. They have already captured players like Yoro, Chido Obi, Sekou Kone and Ayden Heaven. They are also linked to numerous other young talents such as Aboubacar Maiga, Enzo Kana-Biyik and Franco Mastantuono.
What sort of message would they be sending these young players were they to lose faith in a youngster after only three months at the club? Especially in the incredibly tough scenario Dorgu and many other of United’s young players find themselves in, playing in a team so bereft of ideas and leadership at times.
Dorgu will know that he must improve next season, just like the vast majority of United’s squad. He will likely back himself to do so after a full pre-season.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Alex Browne
Alex is a huge Manchester United fan, inspired by greats of his homeland such as George Best, Harry Gregg and Norman Whiteside. Proud owner of such niche shirts such as Kleberson, Eric Djemba-Djemba and Gary Neville. Grew up pretending to be Ruud van Nistelrooy and Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in the back garden, with little success.
