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Manchester United’s Tactical Decision Under Scrutiny
Manchester United secured a controversial FA Cup victory over Leicester City, but much of the post-match discussion revolved around Patrick Dorgu’s unexpected role as a right wing-back. The £29m signing from Lecce struggled in the first half, leading to his substitution at halftime.
While Roy Keane was heavily critical of the decision, Ruben Amorim defended his tactical approach and insisted Dorgu will adapt to the Premier League’s intensity.
Roy Keane Questions United’s Tactical Setup
Speaking as a pundit on ITV, Roy Keane did not hold back when analyzing United’s first-half struggles:
“There is a lack of belief, lack of confidence. They’ve brought new players in, you’re thinking he’s going to play in his position, and he’s playing right wing-back. My goodness, is this what it’s come to?”
Keane also highlighted United’s defensive errors, particularly how Leicester’s Bilal El Khannouss exploited Dorgu’s side to assist the opening goal.
Amorim’s Justification for Dorgu’s Positioning
United manager Ruben Amorim spent the first half constantly coaching Dorgu from the sidelines and later explained why he played the left-footed defender on the right flank:
“I was trying to help Dorgu manage the game. He’s only had three training sessions, so it was hard for him.”
Addressing Keane’s concerns, Amorim pointed out that Dorgu had previously played on both right and left sides at Lecce:
“He has played a lot of times on the right. This versatility is something we value. He was a bit anxious on the ball, but he has pace, strength, and will improve a lot.”
Will Dorgu Adapt to Manchester United’s System?
Amorim remains confident in Dorgu’s development, emphasizing that the Premier League’s pace requires time for adaptation:
“This is a different league, a different speed, but he did well. We need to play better as a team to help the new guy settle in.”
The Portuguese coach also compared Dorgu’s versatility to Diogo Dalot, explaining the tactical flexibility of having full-backs who can operate on both wings.
What’s Next for Patrick Dorgu?
With United still adjusting to Amorim’s system, will Patrick Dorgu find his place in the squad, or was his right-sided experiment a one-time decision? Fans will be watching closely as United push forward in the FA Cup and Premier League.
Your Thoughts?
Do you think Patrick Dorgu should be given more chances in different positions, or should Amorim stick to traditional roles? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!