In a decisive team selection ahead of Manchester United's crucial Premier League fixture, manager Ruben Amorim has made the significant call to drop Patrick Dorgu from the starting line-up. The young star has been relegated to the bench for the midday kick-off against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park, with Luke Shaw coming in to replace him.
Amorim's Verdict on Dorgu's Form
Amorim recently opened up about the reasoning behind this tough decision, pinpointing a clear issue with the player's mental state. He admitted that Dorgu is suffering from a crisis of confidence that is visibly affecting his performances on the pitch. The manager expressed that he can sense palpable anxiety from the stands every time the player receives the ball, a stark contrast to his composed displays for his national team.
A Tale of Two Performances
Amorim highlighted the glaring discrepancy in Dorgu's decision-making between international and club duty. He specifically recalled a moment where Dorgu scored a "great goal against Scotland" and made composed choices under pressure, a version of the player that has been absent for United. Amorim contrasted this with a recent shot against Everton, which he deemed an easier opportunity, suggesting that the pressure of playing for a top club like United is currently proving difficult for the young talent to handle in the early stages of his career.
Despite this setback, the manager's comments were not without hope for the future. Amorim emphasised that Dorgu has time to improve and needs to find a way to play with more calmness and composure. This move to the bench is seen as a chance for the player to reset and work his way back into the manager's plans, with Luke Shaw now tasked with stepping up in his absence.
