Ruben Amorim watched ‘powerful’ Man United star tear Bournemouth to shreds, now he likely won’t start

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Manchester United face Bournemouth next and Ruben Amorim will hope for a repeat of the pre-season clash against the Cherries.

During the 2025 pre-season tour of the United States, Manchester United faced Bournemouth as part of the Premier League Summer Series.

United beat Bournemouth 4-1 in Chicago with a much-improved performance that even left Cherries boss Andoni Iraola impressed.

This is what Iraola said in July – what would he say about Manchester United 5 months on?👀

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Now, Amorim is looking to score a first competitive victory over Bournemouth and end United’s terrible run of results against the South Coast side.

There are plenty of lessons to be learned from the pre-season clash, including perhaps Patrick Dorgu‘s best display in a United shirt.

Patrick Dorgu tore Bournemouth to shreds

In the summer, Dorgu was a standout in pre-season, but he has been unable to carry that form into the 2025/26 campaign.

In particular, United fans were blown away by Dorgu vs Bournemouth in the United States, when he scored and assisted in the 4-1 win.

After that match, Amorim raved about Dorgu, describing him as “so powerful”.

“He’s getting technique in his game, he’s defending so well, he’s pressing so well. I am really impressed with Patrick.”

However, Dorgu has not started a Premier League match since disappointing in the 1-0 defeat to Everton last month. Instead, Diogo Dalot has reached new levels and pushed Dorgu out of the starting XI.

Patrick Dorgu must step up over AFCON period

Dalot has cemented his spot as the starting left wing-back ahead of Dorgu, but that may change over the coming weeks when Amad Diallo leaves for AFCON.

Amad’s absence means Dalot could return to his favoured right flank, which would make space for Dorgu to return on the left.

READ MORE: Patrick Dorgu tells Man Utd fans all players have felt biggest change that Ruben Amorim has made in his reign

United have a favourable run of fixtures coming up and Amorim has a huge chance to make a push for the top four. For that to happen, Dorgu can be a key player if he returns to the form shown in the summer.

He could kickstart that run of form with another impressive performance against Bournemouth.