Patrick Dorgu: Man United star forces INEOS to rip up transfer plan | OneFootball

The red-hot form of Patrick Dorgu is forcing Manchester United’s hierarchy to rip up their transfer plans this summer, according to a new report.

A Man Reborn

The Danish international has exploded to life over the winter period after being shifted from a defensive role to a more offensive one, first on the right wing and then on the left.

In the Boxing Day clash with Newcastle United, Manchester United head coach Ruben Amorim defied all expectations by deploying a 4-2-3-1 system after a year of dogmatically trialling his trademark 3-4-2-1.

The result? A 1-0 win in a match everyone had predicted a defeat for the Red Devils, who were missing a host of key players through injury or the Africa Cup of Nations. The scorer of the only goal? Dorgu, with an emphatic left-footed volley arriving from the right wing which saw him earn a Goal of the Month nomination.

It was bizarre, therefore, for Amorim to revert back to a three-at-the-back system for the following game against bottom of the table Wolverhampton Wanderers, with the Black Country side coming close to winning a dismal match which finished 1-1. INEOS were understood to be perplexed by this decision, with sporting director Jason Wilcox holding a meeting with the Portuguese coach to discuss potential adaptations to the system.

This led to a furious fallout between the pair that ultimately sealed Amorim’s fate as head coach, with INEOS bringing an end to his tenure three days later, 24 hours after his bombastic press conference at Elland Road following the draw with Leeds United.

Under-18s coach Darren Fletcher took charge of the senior side for two matches in Amorim’s absence, before Michael Carrick was appointed as permanent caretaker until the end of the season.

Both former Red Devils have opted for a 4-2-3-1 shape for their games in the dugout. However, the most interesting choice – made first by Fletcher, then repeated by Carrick – from a personnel perspective, has been the use of Dorgu as a left winger.

There is a significant overlap between a wing-back and a winger, so there is logic to the choice – but one of the key weaknesses Dorgu demonstrated in Amorim’s system was the inability to be decisive in the final third, making it a brave choice to deploy him in this way.

Yet, in a twist which shows fortune favours the bold, the 21-year-old has been electric at left wing in the last three Premier League games, providing a superb assist against Burnley before scoring back-to-back goals versus Manchester City and Arsenal. The half-volley in last night’s 3-2 triumph at the Emirates will be a Goal of the Season contender.

Interestingly, Fletcher moved Dorgu back to left back against Brighton & Hove Albion in the FA Cup third round tie – the only match United have lost this month, and one which appears to have changed the club’s mind.

A Change in Plans

These outstanding performances by the Dane have led United’s hierarchy to reassess their transfer plans, with a left winger believed to have been a priority this summer.

Instead, TEAMtalk reveals, INEOS are now considering targeting a new fullback on that side to enable Dorgu to remain further forward, while providing support to the ageing Luke Shaw.

“Sources have told us that it is felt that signing a new left-sided player will remain a priority across this year, but it may be someone who can play more as a traditional full-back,” the report states.

Last month, United opened talks to sign Antoine Semenyo, but the AFC Bournemouth winger rebuffed this interest in favour of joining City. RB Leipzig speedster Yan Diomande has been identified as an alternative to the Ghana international, but he is expected to cost in excess of £80 million. 

As such, a new option at left-back – a much cheaper area of the pitch to shop in, even at the upper echelon of options – may be a more astute move for United, given the bulk of the summer budget will be directed towards the midfield.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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