Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has openly discussed the confidence crisis affecting young defender Patrick Dorgu, admitting he can sense the player's anxiety during matches.
Struggling Under the Spotlight
The 21-year-old Danish international, who became Amorim's first signing in a £25.3million move from Lecce in January, has started eight of United's 12 games this season in the left wing-back position. However, his performances have been inconsistent, with Diogo Dalot covering the position in the other four matches.
Amorim didn't hold back in his assessment, stating that both players have been 'far from the best' in their recent outings. The United boss specifically highlighted Dorgu's struggles to adapt to the pressure of playing for one of the world's biggest clubs.
Contrasting International Form
What particularly concerns Amorim is the stark contrast between Dorgu's performances for United and his displays for the Danish national team. The defender scored a impressive goal against Scotland in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month, yet fluffed a clear chance in United's 1-0 loss to Everton at Old Trafford.
"You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety," Amorim revealed. "When I see Patrick playing for the national team, he scored a great goal against Scotland and the decision that he made under pressure was completely different than the decision he's making in our team."
The manager believes the pressure of playing for United is significantly greater than what Dorgu experienced in Italy or with Denmark. "I remember the shot against Everton. That was easier than the decision he had to make when a guy from Scotland was there. I saw it when he played in Italy. But again, here is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning."
Team Selection Headaches and Transfer Possibilities
With Dorgu restored to the starting line-up for the last two matches against Tottenham and Everton after four games on the bench, and Dalot failing to impress on his unfavoured left side, Amorim faces selection dilemmas.
The return of Lisandro Martinez after almost 10 months out provides additional options, potentially allowing Luke Shaw to move to wing-back. Amorim also acknowledged the possibility of entering the transfer market in January or next summer to address the position.
"We have time to think about that," he added. "I don't know what's going to happen in January. What I feel when I see them training, they are doing so much better than in games. So I just need to understand the context in trying to help them."
Urgent Need for Improvement
United's recent form has been concerning, with a run of three straight wins followed by two draws against Nottingham Forest and Spurs, and then the disappointing loss to Everton's 10 men. Amorim emphasised the urgency for immediate improvement.
"We need to win now," stated the United boss. "If not, something is going to change and we know that. So that is my feeling. For me, it's the urgency of winning. It's not good to be Manchester United not winning. There is no time here."
Amorim expressed particular frustration with the Everton defeat, where United conceded from the opposition's only shot on target despite playing against 10 men. "We cannot suffer a goal. We suffer the goal with the only shot on target. One game, one shot on goal, that's why I get so frustrated."
As United prepare to face Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, the pressure is mounting on both the team and their young Danish defender to rediscover their form and confidence.
