Patrick Dorgu | 2026/27 Performances

[Zumbi]

He's never played as a full back for us to be fair. Only wing back in Amorim's horrible system.

True, and last season under Carrick I was really hoping we'd see him tried there - I wanted to see what we could do with him offering a genuine overlap on the outside of Cunha. I'm still curious to see it. But despite having plenty of opportunities to do so, Carrick hasn't done it yet. Nonetheless, I don't see him playing further forward as a gimmick - he's scored some incredible goals for us against top opposition. He's also done some great things for Denmark coming off the RW. He may not fit the style some want from a winger, but he can be very effective playing there.

 

[CM]

He's never played as a full back for us to be fair. Only wing back in Amorim's horrible system.

He played left back when Fletcher took charge of the FA Cup game against Brighton, but it doesn't look like there's any intention to play him there again any time soon. Carrick has used him exclusively on the left wing last season and in pre-season.

 

[ThanksBoss26]

True, and last season under Carrick I was really hoping we'd see him tried there - I wanted to see what we could do with him offering a genuine overlap on the outside of Cunha. I'm still curious to see it. But despite having plenty of opportunities to do so, Carrick hasn't done it yet. Nonetheless, I don't see him playing further forward as a gimmick - he's scored some incredible goals for us against top opposition. He's also done some great things for Denmark coming off the RW. He may not fit the style some want from a winger, but he can be very effective playing there.

Was there plenty of opportunities? Dorgu only started three times under Carrick, the first two games and the last one of the season.

 

[Zumbi]

Was there plenty of opportunities? Dorgu only started three times under Carrick, the first two games and the last one of the season.

I’m including the three pre-season games he’s played in. Six games is ample opportunity to try it, even if it’s just for a half.

 

[Mcking]

It's not a gimmick - by far his best games for us have come as an attacker, not a FB. He's not a player I'd be starting against every team, but in certain games he can be incredibly effective.

Which games has he played as FB?

 

[Zumbi]

Which games has he played as FB?

None. Why is it a gimmick to play him on the wing when he has had some excellent performances for us on the wing against top opposition?

 

[McLvnsMuse]

His speed and directness is a sign of what we lack in that position not a confirmation that he should be a frequent option.

A few lazy examples

The Maguire CF cameos (esp in the EL run) when Amorim’s ran out of ideas.

The Fellaini DM/10/CF misfit show. Put a hard cap on that teams potential.

In both cases, the team needed the attributes but over reliance (or would have) capped the teams potential. Look at all the qualities an actual physically dominate CF brings to the team (Sesko, Zlatan).

Can we just park this experiment for the 5 games a season we might need it and let this lad build the Fullback toolkit? Fewer shooting drills on social media. learn how to comfortably receive in the FB position, Build chemistry with the CB and LW.

We have such a rich history in that position that it’s baffling when I see people mistake good moments for signs he should be starting there.

 

[bosnian_red]

True, and last season under Carrick I was really hoping we'd see him tried there - I wanted to see what we could do with him offering a genuine overlap on the outside of Cunha. I'm still curious to see it. But despite having plenty of opportunities to do so, Carrick hasn't done it yet. Nonetheless, I don't see him playing further forward as a gimmick - he's scored some incredible goals for us against top opposition. He's also done some great things for Denmark coming off the RW. He may not fit the style some want from a winger, but he can be very effective playing there.

It's still a pretty small sample size so far and it's been dependent on who we've had I think. Pre season we have no left wingers but have Shaw and Amass there. I still think he'll get plenty of games at left back once the fixtures build up and Shaw needs rotation. But last season he was ever present so made sense to play Dorgu left wing. Unless of course we sign a left back like Hall, then Dorgu is cemented at left wing.

 

[Zumbi]

It's still a pretty small sample size so far and it's been dependent on who we've had I think. Pre season we have no left wingers but have Shaw and Amass there. I still think he'll get plenty of games at left back once the fixtures build up and Shaw needs rotation. But last season he was ever present so made sense to play Dorgu left wing. Unless of course we sign a left back like Hall, then Dorgu is cemented at left wing.

I really thought he’d end up there quite a bit, but now I’m not so sure. We do seem to be in for Hall, and if Dorgu was really seen as a viable answer there surely we’d try him there now before making a decision on incoming LB? It doesn’t really add up.

Even if we haven’t had a senior LW available, with the full team change and academy players featuring so heavily in the other pre-season games Dorgu could easily have been given a half there.

 

[bosnian_red]

I really thought he’d end up there quite a bit, but now I’m not so sure. We do seem to be in for Hall, and if Dorgu was really seen as a viable answer there surely we’d try him there now before making a decision on incoming LB? It doesn’t really add up.

Even if we haven’t had a senior LW available, with the full team change and academy players featuring so heavily in the other pre-season games Dorgu could easily have been given a half there.

Long term I think it's inescapable that we'll need to get a top left winger and it's purely a case of being realistic right now. What we have in attack just isn't dynamic enough at the moment to be more than a top 5 team. Dorgu can do either I think, but signing a left back should be easier and cheaper than signing the right left winger. We've got unknowns with Rashford and zirkzee, both might stay which means we either have 3 strikers or 3 left wingers, in which case I'd say Dorgu will play a lot more at left back. If Rashford goes, then dorgu definitely more left wing. Also depends on Amass who apparently we are open to selling for cheap, which again would point to Dorgu being more at left back. Just think he's a solid reliable player but not particularly creative, so he'll be used in either position as per need even if he's not necessarily an automatic starter in either.

 

[Zumbi]

Long term I think it's inescapable that we'll need to get a top left winger and it's purely a case of being realistic right now. What we have in attack just isn't dynamic enough at the moment to be more than a top 5 team. Dorgu can do either I think, but signing a left back should be easier and cheaper than signing the right left winger. We've got unknowns with Rashford and zirkzee, both might stay which means we either have 3 strikers or 3 left wingers, in which case I'd say Dorgu will play a lot more at left back. If Rashford goes, then dorgu definitely more left wing. Also depends on Amass who apparently we are open to selling for cheap, which again would point to Dorgu being more at left back. Just think he's a solid reliable player but not particularly creative, so he'll be used in either position as per need even if he's not necessarily an automatic starter in either.

I just fundamentally disagree with the bolded - I think our current attack right now is better than Arsenal’s and they’ve just won the league. If we improve our midfield and defence sufficiently our attack can get enough goals to challenge for a title.

Last season I assumed Dorgu would end up a versatile squad player who could fill in on either flank at FB or wing. Although I still think he can, the evidence suggests the club sees him more as more of a winger under Carrick. I’ll stand corrected if he suddenly starts featuring regularly at FB.

And he may not be creative, but that’s not really his role in our attack when he plays. He’s the direct, physical runner who bursts into space and disrupts defences whilst players like Amad, Bruno etc add the creativity. Similar to Mbeumo in that regard. I can certainly see us signing a left winger in the coming years, but I don’t think that automatically shunts Dorgu to FB - there’s space in the attack for different tools.

 

[bosnian_red]

I just fundamentally disagree with the bolded - I think our current attack right now is better than Arsenal’s and they’ve just won the league. If we improve our midfield and defence sufficiently our attack can get enough goals to challenge for a title.

Last season I assumed Dorgu would end up a versatile squad player who could fill in on either flank at FB or wing. Although I still think he can, the evidence suggests the club sees him more as more of a winger under Carrick. I’ll stand corrected if he suddenly starts featuring regularly at FB.

And he may not be creative, but that’s not really his role in our attack when he plays. He’s the direct, physical runner who bursts into space and disrupts defences whilst players like Amad, Bruno etc add the creativity. Similar to Mbeumo in that regard. I can certainly see us signing a left winger in the coming years, but I don’t think that automatically shunts Dorgu to FB - there’s space in the attack for different tools.

Don't disagree that we have a better attack on paper than Arsenal, but it feels like a fluke that they won it with that attack. World class defensive set up and abusing set pieces which forced rule changes. And given they're chasing Vini, they know they need to improve their attack. The way Carrick has us playing and the way I'm sure we'd all like United to play... We will eventually need that world class winger who can take on players. Just depends on when we prioritize it but I doubt we win or seriously challenge for the big trophies without it.

 

[Zumbi]

Don't disagree that we have a better attack on paper than Arsenal, but it feels like a fluke that they won it with that attack. World class defensive set up and abusing set pieces which forced rule changes. And given they're chasing Vini, they know they need to improve their attack. The way Carrick has us playing and the way I'm sure we'd all like United to play... We will eventually need that world class winger who can take on players. Just depends on when we prioritize it but I doubt we win or seriously challenge for the big trophies without it.

It doesn't feel fluke like a fluke to me - they just had a strong and balanced squad with a standout defence. And in doing so they proved you can challenge for the big trophies without world class wingers. Sure, they can improve their attack just like we can. But if we improve the other areas of our squad enough I don’t see why we can’t challenge with our current attack - they got enough goals to challenge after Carrick took over, and that was with a weaker midfield. I just think some people overstate the importance of one particular player profile being the missing piece to get you challenging, whilst understating the importance of a well rounded and balanced squad with a few match winners in it. The latter is enough to challenge for a title.

 

[bosnian_red]

It doesn't feel fluke like a fluke to me - they just had a strong and balanced squad with a standout defence. And in doing so they proved you can challenge for the big trophies without world class wingers. Sure, they can improve their attack just like we can. But if we improve the other areas of our squad enough I don’t see why we can’t challenge with our current attack - they got enough goals to challenge after Carrick took over, and that was with a weaker midfield. I just think some people overstate the importance of one particular player profile being the missing piece to get you challenging, whilst understating the importance of a well rounded and balanced squad with a few match winners in it. The latter is enough to challenge for a title.

You need both IMO. I think we need a well rounded and balanced squad just to be a consistent, solid top 4 team again. What we did last season worked for last season, as we had 1 game a week... We'll have 50% more games next season. It's unlikely that players can maintain form and fitness in the same way, so you need the deeper squad to manage but also i think you need the world class talent to bail you out and keep runs going. The way I see it is we have work to do to stay in the top 5, and a massive amount of work to actually get beyond that and to challenge. Hopefully some players develop into the world class attackers that we'll need, as someone will have to take the mantle from Bruno.

 

[Olecurls99]

Hopefully he turns into the new Gareth Bale and justifies playing him on the wing.

I just see his potential as a powerful, skillful overlapping dominant full back. Ashley Cole with muscles.

 

[TwoSheds]

Hopefully he turns into the new Gareth Bale and justifies playing him on the wing.

I just see his potential as a powerful, skillful overlapping dominant full back. Ashley Cole with muscles.

Ashley Cole was an unbelievable defender and pretty poor when it comes to goalscoring, there aren't many parallels to be drawn tbh.

 

[Ando8Goat]

Hopefully he turns into the new Gareth Bale and justifies playing him on the wing.

I just see his potential as a powerful, skillful overlapping dominant full back. Ashley Cole with muscles.

From what he has shown, to me doesnt look like a defender at all. His usefulness is as a squad player who is able to play in several positions, offering pace, power, something a bit different.

 

[Jeffthered]

You need both IMO. I think we need a well rounded and balanced squad just to be a consistent, solid top 4 team again. What we did last season worked for last season, as we had 1 game a week... We'll have 50% more games next season. It's unlikely that players can maintain form and fitness in the same way, so you need the deeper squad to manage but also i think you need the world class talent to bail you out and keep runs going. The way I see it is we have work to do to stay in the top 5, and a massive amount of work to actually get beyond that and to challenge. Hopefully some players develop into the world class attackers that we'll need, as someone will have to take the mantle from Bruno.

Good post.

Can't imagine Liverpool being so poor; Citeh' have experience and class and may want to make an immediate post-Pep statement; Spurs will be better; Chelsea will be better; and Arsenal will look to consolidate.

We need top players to play CL and maintain top four. I just feel we are asking a lot of Bruno (again..), Mbuma and Cunha.

Other attacking players have to step-up throughout the season.

 

[Olecurls99]

Ashley Cole was an unbelievable defender and pretty poor when it comes to goalscoring, there aren't many parallels to be drawn tbh.

I think the potential is there to be a top class left full or an average workman winger. Ashley Cole's main attribute was his ability to get up and down all game. His stamina was incredible like Dorgu. He was also a fantastic defender but those parts of the game can be improved with good coaching and the right attitude.

 

[Zico1982]

I think Dorgu will make around 15 goal contributions as a winger for us this season, if he plays. THis is pre season, and noone is expected to be at the best right now.

 

[Borys]

He's going to put the best G+A numbers of all our wingers this season, mark my words.

He plays with intensity that is required from EPL attacker and rarely displayed my Mbuemo and Amad. Cunha is going to score more goals but Dorgu will surpass him on assists. He is a dream attacker for any coach (not only attacking, but also how he defends). We might upgrade on him next summer but that imo will be the story of the coming season, if Amad and Mbuemo don't wake up.

 

[kuno]

Some interesting takes in here.
Dorgu lacks some key fundamentals to be a regular starter for a top team at any position let alone left back, and that is close ball control, passing and agility. He's straight line athlete with good pace and shot ,which is why he's playing at the wing for a smart football person like carrick. Could he develop into a decent squad option at the wing for years to come sure but i see 0 hope for him to be a reguar starter because of his flaws. Especially as a left back. those are flaws you generally don't improve after a certain age. Either you have it or you don't.

 

[Red Indian Chief Torn Rubber]

He's going to put the best G+A numbers of all our wingers this season, mark my words.

He plays with intensity that is required from EPL attacker and rarely displayed my Mbuemo and Amad. Cunha is going to score more goals but Dorgu will surpass him on assists. He is a dream attacker for any coach (not only attacking, but also how he defends). We might upgrade on him next summer but that imo will be the story of the coming season, if Amad and Mbuemo don't wake up.

If Amad and Mbuemo stay asleep it would be them being upgraded on. Not him

 

[Borys]

If Amad and Mbuemo stay asleep it would be them being upgraded on. Not him

Gun to my head and I'd say very likely scenario.

 

[Apokalips]

His speed and directness is a sign of what we lack in that position not a confirmation that he should be a frequent option.

A few lazy examples

The Maguire CF cameos (esp in the EL run) when Amorim’s ran out of ideas.

The Fellaini DM/10/CF misfit show. Put a hard cap on that teams potential.

In both cases, the team needed the attributes but over reliance (or would have) capped the teams potential. Look at all the qualities an actual physically dominate CF brings to the team (Sesko, Zlatan).

Can we just park this experiment for the 5 games a season we might need it and let this lad build the Fullback toolkit? Fewer shooting drills on social media. learn how to comfortably receive in the FB position, Build chemistry with the CB and LW.

We have such a rich history in that position that it’s baffling when I see people mistake good moments for signs he should be starting there.

I agree he should be an attacking full back as he is too rough technically to be a reliable forward player. I don't understand why people don't see his good attacking displays as perfect from an attacking full back sense. Look at positions Hakimi, for example, gets into.

Having a full back like Dorgu playing that way would be huge for us while we should be looking to have attacking wide men more of the ilk of Kvara because I really can't imagine many top sides playing Dorgu as their primary winger.

 

[Zumbi]

I agree he should be an attacking full back as he is too rough technically to be a reliable forward player. I don't understand why people don't see his good attacking displays as perfect from an attacking full back sense. Look at positions Hakimi, for example, gets into.

Having a full back like Dorgu playing that way would be huge for us while we should be looking to have attacking wide men more of the ilk of Kvara because I really can't imagine many top sides playing Dorgu as their primary winger.

I think that's even more of a concern at the back though isn't it? Being technically sound enough to play through a press is key for FBs, and losing the ball there much riskier than losing the ball further foward.

I've wanted to see Dorgu tried at LB, but there are definitely as many question marks about his suitability there as there are about him playing further forward.

Realistically Dorgu isn't going to be our primary winger - he's going to be a rotation option with Cunha and Rashford if he stays, and as such, I'm fine to see how he develops. There will be tactical benefits to playing him in some games and he's already shown an ability to score important goals.

 

[Jeffthered]

I agree he should be an attacking full back as he is too rough technically to be a reliable forward player. I don't understand why people don't see his good attacking displays as perfect from an attacking full back sense. Look at positions Hakimi, for example, gets into.

Having a full back like Dorgu playing that way would be huge for us while we should be looking to have attacking wide men more of the ilk of Kvara because I really can't imagine many top sides playing Dorgu as their primary winger.

You make no reference to his defensive qualities, which are questionable. He lacks focus at times and you cannot have a defender who lacks concentration.

His instinct is to attack, so we should play him as left of a midfield two behind Bruno or whoever else plays that role. Or as the left of a three up front. He can be a more defensive attacking option, from the left.

 

[Mr. Burns Tuchel]

Every player who doesn't dribble like Messi is useless.

Mbeumo has shown you don't need to be able to dribble to influence the game from outwide.

Literally Dorgu was in our top 3 best players towards the end of the last season & now people are changing his position again because he hasn't scored a goal in Preseason.

Is this about relocating him so we purposely have space for a new LW?

We already signed one that we have yet to see.

If Dorgu scores 5 goals up until January and goes 2 games without scoring people will instantly put him back at fullback because people think that Amorim is the genius who played players in their right position whilst Carrick is a stupid man who plays Mount at CM and Mbeumo as the second striker in the squad. Carrick might have found out that Ineos had bought him to be a winger so he is just playing him there. But just because Amorim used him there doesn't mean that's his future position because he didn't have a single good game at LB compared to LW.

If he fails as a winger then he has the ability to be a fullback; but why are we talking like he has failed already when he passed the test at the end of the season once Amorim left?

 

[Apokalips]

I think that's even more of a concern at the back though isn't it? Being technically sound enough to play through a press is key for FBs, and losing the ball there much riskier than losing the ball further foward.

I've wanted to see Dorgu tried at LB, but there are definitely as many question marks about his suitability there as there are about him playing further forward.

Realistically Dorgu isn't going to be our primary winger - he's going to be a rotation option with Cunha and Rashford if he stays, and as such, I'm fine to see how he develops. There will be tactical benefits to playing him in some games and he's already shown an ability to score important goals.

Not at all, no top team puts their less technical players up top and there is a reason forwards cost more. He is technically sound enough for an FB but not for an attacker where a bit more variety and cuteness is needed.

One of his best attributes is his running into space from deep, he gets himself into great positions as we saw constantly when he was at WB, however, he lacks the finesse to be reliable in front of goal in terms of g/a (despite scoring some bangers). Again, I use Hakimi and Mendes as examples, they pop up in great areas and score goals or assist but no one is rushing to put them into the front 3.

He is fine as a rotation winger, but I generally believe he would be of better use to us as an attacking FB.

You make no reference to his defensive qualities, which are questionable. He lacks focus at times and you cannot have a defender who lacks concentration.

His instinct is to attack, so we should play him as left of a midfield two behind Bruno or whoever else plays that role. Or as the left of a three up front. He can be a more defensive attacking option, from the left.

To be honest, it is hard to fully judge his FB defensive capabilities from his time at WB and especially under Amorim where we were often left gaps at the back. He does have some good defensive attributes though, he is quite good at winning the ball and is pretty tenacious, making a fair amount of tackles. When does win the ball he is very secure in terms of keeping it, progressing it and drawing fouls. He is young and can improve in all aspects of course, but it is definitely easier to learn defensive instincts and improve concentration, especially if he plays as an actual FB rather than Amorim's system, compared to improving the skills needed to be a world class forward. There is a reason that players that do re-position tend to do so in positions further back, as opposed to becoming forwards later in their career - see Valencia, Perisic, Young, Matheus Nunes, etc.

Every player who doesn't dribble like Messi is useless.

Mbeumo has shown you don't need to be able to dribble to influence the game from outwide.

Literally Dorgu was in our top 3 best players towards the end of the last season & now people are changing his position again because he hasn't scored a goal in Preseason.

Is this about relocating him so we purposely have space for a new LW?

We already signed one that we have yet to see.

If Dorgu scores 5 goals up until January and goes 2 games without scoring people will instantly put him back at fullback because people think that Amorim is the genius who played players in their right position whilst Carrick is a stupid man who plays Mount at CM and Mbeumo as the second striker in the squad.

If he fails as a winger then he has the ability to be a fullback; but why are we talking like he has failed already when he passed the test at the end of the season once Amorim left?

No one is saying he has failed already, we are just looking at his specific attributes and also our need for an attacking FB is greater than the need for a wide forward. Cunha is better than him in that position already, whereas we don't have FBs that attack well enough to provide Amad/Cunha/Mbeumo with good options higher up the pitch.

 

[Zumbi]

Not at all, no top team puts their less technical players up top and there is a reason forwards cost more. He is technically sound enough for an FB but not for an attacker where a bit more variety and cuteness is needed.

One of his best attributes is his running into space from deep, he gets himself into great positions as we saw constantly when he was at WB, however, he lacks the finesse to be reliable in front of goal in terms of g/a (despite scoring some bangers). Again, I use Hakimi and Mendes as examples, they pop up in great areas and score goals or assist but no one is rushing to put them into the front 3.

He is fine as a rotation winger, but I generally believe he would be of better use to us as an attacking FB.

Except the ones that do. You only have to look at the current title winners - MLS is more technical than Havertz or Gyokeres, but the latter two have physical attributes which benefit the team further upfield. Really what you want in attack is a variety of complimentary attributes - some players more direct and physical, some with more creativity and nous. And we've seen that for us where Dorgu's physicality and directness has opened teams up when combined with our more technical attackers. And it 's effective - Dorgu got a G/A every 180 mins played in the league last season. Amad was only at one every 391. Cunha was at 178. Mbeumo at 187.5. So in terms of productivity he's right up there with our other attackers.

As much as I've wanted to see how he does at LB, it's curious that our coaches prefer playing him further forward and haven't even tried him at LB. They're clearly seeing something you don't.

 

[Jeffthered]

We need not complicate things with Dorgu. This guy scored important often fantastic goals driving from the middle of the park or being in and around the box.

Why on Earth would you want to change that?

Dorgu is an important player for us. Yes, if, if, if necessary he can cover at left-back. But I want a defender there first. Under Carrick we have not conceded lots of goals and that is our foundation. I'm happy with Shaw. Just keep him fit I don't need spectacle.

But we need Dorgu pushing forward. We need that athleticism, goal-instinct, crucially, that left-foot from the left.. he provides such balance for Cunha, Bruno... and we need his goals!!! We have few goalscorers.

 

[criticalanalysis]

I think that's even more of a concern at the back though isn't it? Being technically sound enough to play through a press is key for FBs, and losing the ball there much riskier than losing the ball further foward.

You can 'get away' with it more as a FB as most of the time you're facing the whole pitch and your opponents in front of you. With Dorgu at LWB, I've been quite surprised at times with his ability/technique to get himself out of a press as he has good ball carrying attributes. The issue was his inconsistency with his passing, decision making and defensive positional awareness (!). Not small things at all but then we have remember it was played under Amorim's 'football' or whatever crap that was.

I've been very curious about him at LB and I would hope if don't bring in someone to replace/challenge Shaw (which would be very disappointing) that Carrick tries him there. If Santos and Tielemans bring what we think they can in midfield, a marauding Dorgu over/underlapping from deep could really open up our attack.

 

[Zumbi]

You can 'get away' with it more as a FB as most of the time you're facing the whole pitch and your opponents in front of you. With Dorgu at LWB, I've been quite surprised at times with his ability/technique to get himself out of a press as he has good ball carrying attributes. The issue was his inconsistency with his passing, decision making and defensive positional awareness (!). Not small things at all but then we have remember it was played under Amorim's 'football' or whatever crap that was.

I've been very curious about him at LB and I would hope if don't bring in someone to replace/challenge Shaw (which would be very disappointing) that Carrick tries him there. If Santos and Tielemans bring what we think they can in midfield, a marauding Dorgu over/underlapping from deep could really open up our attack.

Same - I’ve been really hoping to see Dorgu tried overlapping Cunha on the left. With Shaw and Dalot playing we’ve tended to have Dalot as the FB getting forward with Shaw dropping into to form a back three in possession. I’ve been keen to see how that would work with the sides switched - Maz dropping in on the right and Dorgu bombing on giving an overlap option to Cunha on the left. That would then allow Bruno to drift into those spaces on the right that he can be very effective from.

And yeah, no one ever seemed that comfortable with their instructions under Amorim, so it’s not been surprising to see players like Dorgu thrive with more limited and clearly defined roles.

If we don’t bring a LB then it feels inevitable Shaw will get injured and we’ll have to try it. A new LB has to be a priority though and as curious as I am to see Dorgu there, I’m also completely fine with with seeing if he can build on his progress as a winger for the coming season.

 

[lex talionis]

It may actually be a popular -- not unpopular, but popular -- opinion here, but Dorgu brings a directness and physicality to his play that we're lacking at times. He was brought in to play LWB, but he never looked all that convincing in that role, but in the LW he's been a beast. We all remember the goal against Arsenal, but the one that really impressed me was his goal against City. He destroyed the poor soul was attempted to defend him and left Donnarumma nothing he could possibly but to watch the ball hit the side netting.

For those who want ruthless -- and who doesn't want ruthless? -- Dorgu is your man.

 

[McLvnsMuse]

I agree he should be an attacking full back as he is too rough technically to be a reliable forward player. I don't understand why people don't see his good attacking displays as perfect from an attacking full back sense. Look at positions Hakimi, for example, gets into.

Having a full back like Dorgu playing that way would be huge for us while we should be looking to have attacking wide men more of the ilk of Kvara because I really can't imagine many top sides playing Dorgu as their primary winger.

Hakimi, Dumfries. Top players and comparable. Interesting choice positioning the full back this forum pined for as a starting left winger when we still have real gaps

 

[McLvnsMuse]

It's difficult for many on here to look past the magical moments vs City and Arsenal. I hope he makes me look foolish but I struggle to see anything other than a physically gifted wingback cosplaying as a rather limited winger.

 

[Zumbi]

It's difficult for many on here to look past the magical moments vs City and Arsenal. I hope he makes me look foolish but I struggle to see anything other than a physically gifted wingback cosplaying as a rather limited winger.

Given the fact that he’s been much more effective as a winger than wingback, why isn’t he a physically gifted winger who was cosplaying as a wingback?

If a player is much more effective in one position than another, maybe that’s telling you something.

 

[criticalanalysis]

Same - I’ve been really hoping to see Dorgu tried overlapping Cunha on the left. With Shaw and Dalot playing we’ve tended to have Dalot as the FB getting forward with Shaw dropping into to form a back three in possession. I’ve been keen to see how that would work with the sides switched - Maz dropping in on the right and Dorgu bombing on giving an overlap option to Cunha on the left. That would then allow Bruno to drift into those spaces on the right that he can be very effective from.

And yeah, no one ever seemed that comfortable with their instructions under Amorim, so it’s not been surprising to see players like Dorgu thrive with more limited and clearly defined roles.

If we don’t bring a LB then it feels inevitable Shaw will get injured and we’ll have to try it. A new LB has to be a priority though and as curious as I am to see Dorgu there, I’m also completely fine with with seeing if he can build on his progress as a winger for the coming season.

Yeah agree about Dorgu's opportunity. I think he should have a real chance to explore his attacking form and see where that takes him if the circumstances allow i.e Shaw remaining fit and if we don't bring in a LB. From his very first appearance, if there's one thing I can say that's remained consistent with him, it's that he always involved. For better or for worse, even when I was criticising his technique, reading of the game and general awareness under Amorim, I saw that he was always doing something and in amongst the action. That's continued under Carrick and his contributions last season have been a good head ache to have.

As for the bolded, IIRC I know you're not a big fan of Dalot but in a scenario with Dorgu as LB, he would be the ideal candidate on the right. He already did it during his POTY season under ETH where he was playing inverted contributing a lot with his progressive passing and most importantly of all, he has the speed and athleticism to cover the CBs if he's going to 'sit' with them.

 

[Zumbi]

Yeah agree about Dorgu's opportunity. I think he should have a real chance to explore his attacking form and see where that takes him if the circumstances allow i.e Shaw remaining fit and if we don't bring in a LB. From his very first appearance, if there's one thing I can say that's remained consistent with him, it's that he always involved. For better or for worse, even when I was criticising his technique, reading of the game and general awareness under Amorim, I saw that he was always doing something and in amongst the action. That's continued under Carrick and his contributions last season have been a good head ache to have.

As for the bolded, IIRC I know you're not a big fan of Dalot but in a scenario with Dorgu as LB, he would be the ideal candidate on the right. He already did it during his POTY season under ETH where he was playing inverted contributing a lot with his progressive passing and most importantly of all, he has the speed and athleticism to cover the CBs if he's going to 'sit' with them.

Haha, good memory. But yeah, feck Dalot, he’d be on sell list.

 

[McLvnsMuse]

Given the fact that he’s been much more effective as a winger than wingback, why isn’t he a physically gifted winger who was cosplaying as a wingback?

If a player is much more effective in one position than another, maybe that’s telling you something.

Because I’ve actually had the pleasure of watching more than my fair share of quality wingers at United and across the league over the years.

Left wing might be his best position but it’s likely not the best option for a United team with ambitions of getting back to the top In my opinion.

In an earlier post, I used Fellaini as an Example. His best position for United was probably at the 10. Maximized his qualities. Great for him but I’ve watched Rooney & Bruno play there. It’s hard not to see everything he doesn’t bring to the role.