It was not all doom and gloom as Manchester United suffered a 1-0 defeat to Tottenham.
Manchester United’s struggles in the Premier League continued on Sunday afternoon, meaning the Red Devils have now slumped to 15th in the table.
Ruben Amorim was faced with an injury crisis this week, with Amad Diallo ruled out until next season due to an ankle injury. Kobbie Mainoo will also spend six weeks out injured.
As expected, Amorim was forced into changes against Tottenham and seven academy players featured on the bench. Chido Obi came on in injury time to make his senior debut.
But United didn’t have enough firepower to answer James Maddison’s first-half goal, and Ruben Amorim has now suffered eight Premier League defeats since joining.
It was a frustrating afternoon, but there was one player who can hold his head high.
Patrick Dorgu stars on his Premier League debut
Ineos answered Amorim’s call for a new wing-back in January by spending £25m to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
Dorgu made his debut against Leicester City in the FA Cup and he impressed before being replaced at half time.
The 20-year-old remained in the starting lineup to make his Premier League debut against Spurs, and Patrick Dorgu made a superb impression. Here are some of Dorgu’s stats from the 1-0 defeat:
| Minutes played | 90 |
| Touches | 54 |
| Passes completed | 79% (23/29) |
| Chances created | 2 |
| Tackles won | 100% (4/4) |
| Duels won | 89% (8/9) |
| Dribbled past | 0 |
Dorgu created two chances and linked up well with Alejandro Garnacho on the left. Defensively, he was outstanding, winning all of his tackles and losing just one of his nine duels.
Patrick Dorgu’s versatility is key for Man United
While many of United’s players are struggling to find a suitable position in Amorim’s side, Dorgu fits into multiple.
Dorgu’s versatility is one of his biggest strengths having played on the left and the right at Lecce. He can also play in a more advanced role, which may be needed in the weeks to come.
Amorim raised eyebrows by starting Dorgu on the right against Leicester, a decision that was questioned by Paul Scholes.
But against Spurs, Dorgu starred on the left, with Diogo Dalot returning to his preferred right flank. Before the match, Dorgu named his preferred position but he has already shown that he can put a shift in wherever needed.
There is plenty going wrong at United at the moment, but Dorgu’s bright start suggests the club have gotten their recruitment right – for once.
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