Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu has responded to criticism from former coach Ruben Amorim regarding his performance during his tenure at the club. Dorgu, who joined United from Lecce for £25 million in January 2025, faced struggles as the team grappled with a difficult period under Amorim’s management.
Dorgu Challenges Amorim’s Criticism
Amorim openly criticized Dorgu after a 1-0 loss to Everton in November. He expressed concern about the player’s anxiety on the ball, stating, “You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball.” Dorgu found these comments troubling and reflected on them in a recent interview with The Telegraph.
Impact of Criticism
- Dorgu felt “hit” by the criticism and recognized its impact on his confidence.
- He attempted to utilize this feedback as motivation to enhance his game.
“When the coach speaks negatively about you, it affects you,” Dorgu noted. He explained how he tried to channel this into positive improvements, particularly as the team faced injuries and absences during the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Form Under New Management
Since Amorim’s departure, interim manager Michael Carrick has seen significant success, leading the team to nine wins out of 13 matches. Dorgu emerged as a key player during Carrick’s brief reign, notably scoring in crucial victories against Manchester City and Arsenal.
Looking Forward
Despite facing a hamstring injury, Dorgu has returned to the bench and hopes to contribute significantly as the season progresses. He expressed confusion over Amorim’s choice of words, suggesting that anxiety was not an appropriate description of his performance. “I don’t see how I can play well in one context and poorly in another,” he explained.
As Manchester United approaches the end of the season, the focus will be on their bid for Champions League qualification under Carrick’s stewardship, with Dorgu aiming to further establish his role within the squad.
