Manchester United's new recruit Patrick Dorgu made his much-anticipated debut on February 7, 2025, during the FA Cup fourth round clash against Leicester City. The 20-year-old Danish international, acquired from Lecce for £25 million, surprised fans not only with his presence but also with his unusual positioning on the pitch.
Head coach Ruben Amorim chose to deploy Dorgu as right wing-back, diverting from the player's natural left-sided role. The decision raised eyebrows, considering Dorgu was brought to strengthen Manchester United's left flank, which had been less than effective. Instead, diogo Dalot was placed at left wing-back during the match at Old Trafford, leading many to question the tactical logic.
When Amorim spoke about the decision, he seemed to justify it as part of his strategic vision for the team. 'He did very well,' Amorim remarked on Dorgu's training. 'He has pace, he has the ability to play on both sides—we believe a lot in him.' It was clear Amorim aimed to integrate Dorgu quickly, and the young player was thrust straight onto the field after officially joining the team.
Dorgu's debut began with promise. Sporting the number allocated for him since his arrival, he was eager to demonstrate his skills. He made some noticeable overlapping runs, exhibiting the attacking instincts for which he was known during his stint at Lecce. This energy brought some optimism to the Old Trafford supporters, who were dismayed by the team's lackluster performance overall during the first half.
Leicester City shocked the fans when Bobby Decordova-Reid scored the opening goal just before halftime, putting United at 1-0 down as the teams headed for the break. Despite this disappointing scoreline, Dorgu's brief stint as wing-back generated some intrigue and discussions among the fans about his potential.
Upon returning for the second half, the atmosphere shifted as Amorim made the choice to sub off Dorgu, who had performed as one of United's brighter players, and replaced him with Alejandro Garnacho. This change drew immediate criticism from fans on social media. Some took to Twitter, frustrated by the coach's decision to remove Dorgu instead of Dalot, who they felt did not perform adequately.
'Dorgu was our best player actually making runs,' one disappointed fan tweeted. Other users echoed similar sentiments, highlighting Dorgu's threat level compared to Dalot's performance. A series of tweets pointed out the peculiar decision, stating, 'I honestly don't get why Dorgu was hooked,' and 'after playing Dorgu at RWB during which he was the best player, Amorim took him off.' Such strong reactions underscored fans' frustration with Amorim's tactical choices.
Although he only played 45 minutes, Dorgu's debut created palpable excitement. He said earlier during the week after signing, "I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player; this is a very special day for my whole family." His enthusiasm remained evident throughout his debut, filled with hard work and determination to prove himself.
The final moments of the match saw Manchester United rally and secure their advancement with 2-1 victory thanks to goals from Joshua Zirkzee and Harry Maguire, but the post-game conversation largely revolved around Dorgu's debut. Despite the success, his situation highlighted a rift between fans and managerial decisions, with many calling for more prudent tactical approaches to maximize the young player's potential.
Prior to joining Manchester United, Dorgu had been part of Lecce, where he showcased his capabilities as both left-back and right winger. Amorim's decision to field him out of his usual position caused concern, yet it also sparked debates about the coach's flexibility and long-term strategy for integrating the player effectively. The reality is, with Luke Shaw injured and Tyrell Malacia loaned out to PSV Eindhoven, Dorgu's versatility may be tested as his career at United evolves.
With the FA Cup win now behind them, Manchester United must look to improve continuously as they prepare for their next clash against Tottenham Hotspur. Dorgu's impressions left on the field and the discussions surrounding his debut are likely to linger as the season progresses. The challenge remains for Amorim to find the right way to integrate talented players like Dorgu without sacrificing their development or potential.
While questions remain about Ruben Amorim's tactics and placement of players, one thing is certain: expectations are high for Dorgu to make his mark at one of the world's most iconic football institutions. Fans worldwide will be watching closely as the young Dane strives to fulfill his ambitions for both himself and his new team.