The wing-back positions are crucial in Ruben Amorim’s system and Man Utd may need to recruit a new addition.
Dorgu in training.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Ruben Amorim joked not even the Pope could persuade him to change his formation at Manchester United.
Amorim is wedded to the 3-4-3 formation and United spent £215million on players with the skillsets to thrive in the system in the summer transfer window.
Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo were signed to play in the No.10 roles. The attack was overhauled, but there was a feeling that United had made a mistake by not signing a new midfielder.
United decided to go another season without a midfield recruit. That position will be the priority at the end of the season, but a new wing-back should also be at the top of the shopping list.
The wing-backs are crucial in Amorim’s formation. They provide width, quality in attack and defensive cover. They must have an engine to get up and down the line. It’s a specialist role in the system.
Amad has nailed down the right-wing back spot and delivered some excellent performances from that role throughout October, but there are question marks on the opposite side.
Diogo Dalot was poor against Sunderland, despite his throw-ins being effective. He was the worst performer in the first half against Liverpool, albeit he recovered to end the game strongly. He was fine against Brighton and then took further backwards steps against Nottingham Forest.
Dalot’s versatility has been a selling point throughout his career. The 26-year-old is willing to play wherever he is needed, but his performances indicate he is far more comfortable when operating on the right.
Following some unconvincing displays from Patrick Dorgu, Amorim has played Dalot at left wing-back in recent weeks, which was logical given his experience and the importance of the games.
Dalot is struggling on the left.(Image: 2025 Getty Images)
Dorgu was removed from the firing line after showing signs of greenness. The Denmark international is still developing his game and Amorim preferred Dalot during a run of games that he needed to win.
Dalot was replaced by Dorgu in the 68th minute at the City Ground last weekend, but he might have been hooked at the interval if there had been a better option on the bench.
The majority of Nottingham Forest’s attacking play came down Dalot’s flank and he was too passive in the build-up to Morgan Gibbs-White’s goal, failing to prevent the cross into the box.
It will be fascinating to see whether Dalot retains his starting role against Tottenham. He does not deserve to keep his place, but Amorim may still consider him ahead of Dorgu.
Dorgu was always bound to need time and patience. United signed Dorgu for an initial €30million (£25m) from Lecce, who banked a club-record transfer fee for the 21-year-old after persistent negotiations.
He arrived in the winter window and joined a struggling dressing room. “It was difficult and I was thrown into everything, but I feel I dealt with it good. I just try to bring a lot of confidence into this season,” Dorgu said when he spoke in August.
United believe Dorgu has the attributes to become a top player. “I had interest from big teams in Italy as well, so it (United’s interest) wasn’t a surprise,” he said. “If you’re doing well, the big teams are going to look. I was surprised that they were really aggressive to get it done quickly, and I was really happy for that.”
How long Dorgu needs to reach his potential is another matter. He was a heavily data-driven signing and has the ideal physical attributes to play at left wing-back, but his final ball must improve.
That’s why United may need to sign a new left wing-back at the end of the season. United will know by then whether Dorgu is ready to start regularly, but it might be sensible to sign a player in that role who can hit the ground running, someone who doesn’t need to improve.
The wing-backs are crucial in Amorim’s system and he needs the right personnel.