The pre-season is the time for hope and optimism, and no club needs it quite as much as Manchester United, which is not lost on one player who has made an exciting promise.
After finishing 15th last season, Ruben Amorim is eager to kick on with a clear slate this season, the pre-season beginning with a goalless draw against Leeds.
It’s difficult to take too many concrete points from the first game of the pre-season, but it was clear to see that Matheus Cunha will be a threat, Diego Leon belongs, and Ayden Heaven is special.
Amidst the heroes of the game, one player flew under the radar. He promised to show his best this season after starting the pre-season with a good display.
Patrick Dorgu makes exciting Man Utd promise
Patrick Dorgu had a pretty thankless first six months at Old Trafford as he joined a team that was quickly going nowhere.
Despite joining from a team struggling to avoid relegation in Italy, he was thrust into the responsibility of playing as the first-choice wing-back for one of the most scrutinised clubs in world football.
Dorgu fared as well as he could have, considering all the circumstances, but that doesn’t mean the same rope of patience will be afforded to him this season.
Fortunately, he played against Leeds like a man determined to have a breakout season, flying forward in attack at every opportunity and being one of the biggest threats for Amorim’s team.
After the game, Dorgu said he was aware of the need to improve and hoped to show Man Utd fans his best this season.
He said [via Manchester Evening News]: “I have more to bring to the team, more to give. I’m just getting ready for the season, using all these pre-season games to get fit. Hopefully, we’ll see the best of me and the team in the first game.”
Dorgu’s breakout will transform Man Utd
Not since Luke Shaw was playing for a new contract has Man Utd had a competent left-sided presence who’s a threat in both boxes.
That season, Erik ten Hag’s Man Utd team was flying, finishing third in the league and winning the Carabao Cup with some thrilling football.
Despite all of Shaw’s injuries, it’s a painful fact that United have never been able to really replace him with a similar player, which is why United’s fortunes have been tied to an unreliable player.
If Dorgu can replicate those qualities of ball progression and dynamism in both phases of the game, United will be transformed, especially since, in Diego Leon, the backup looks similarly skilled.
With Amad on the other side, Amorim will finally have two perfect players for the two most important positions in his system.
The strikers and the No. 10s will steal the headlines, but Dorgu’s breakout will make the system tick.
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