Manchester United can unleash a new partnership after surprise Ruben Amorim decision - Iqraa news

Ruben Amorim barks out an instruction from the Old Trafford touchline.

-Credit:Plumb Images/Leicester City FC via Getty Images.

Attacking the East Stand in the first half of last Friday night's 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester City, there was seemingly only one destination for Patrick Dorgu when Manchester United's players broke from their pre-match huddle.

But instead of running over to the left side, the new recruit from Lecce sprinted across to the right. Having been desperate to sign a left-sided wing-back throughout the January transfer window, it was a surprise when Dorgu made his United debut from the other flank.

Diogo Dalot, naturally a right-sided player, once again started at left wing-back, much to the bemusement of United's supporters. The Portuguese international has struggled for form in recent months and the arrival of Dorgu was expected to see him reinstated to his preferred flank.

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However, Dorgu spent his debut at right wing-back. And as flat and lethargic as the Reds were in the opening 45 minutes, Dorgu was a bright spark.

The 20-year-old boasted a respectable 82 per cent passing accuracy, won half of his duels, won two tackles, completed two interceptions and fired a shot off target that was not a million miles away. It was a solid start.

Offering United a sense of speed and athleticism, it was a surprise when Ruben Amorim hooked him at half-time. He was replaced by Alejandro Garnacho in a move that proved key in helping United turn the game on its head.

Despite the solid nature of Dorgu's debut, Amorim's decision to start him on the right was a talking point, and Amorim was asked about it after the game.

"He played a lot of time at Lecce on the right and the left," said the United boss. "That is one of the characteristics we pay attention to a lot, to have a player like him.

Patrick Dorgu attempts to retain possession under pressure from Leicester City ace Jordan Ayew.

Patrick Dorgu (left) was bright on his Manchester United debut. -Credit:Visionhaus/Getty Images.

"He was a little bit anxious with first touch of the ball. It's a different league for him, different speed of the game, but he did well.

"He had pace, strength, he will improve a lot and we as a team need to play better to help these new guys to perform at the right level. The position, you can see in WyScout he can play both sides."

The Dane could be deployed on that flank regularly between now and the end of the season at the very least. Wing-backs are essential to Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system and Dorgu is currently the only natural option United have available.

With Amorim favouring a left-footed option in the right-sided No.10 position, Amad is a strong bet to retain that position for the foreseeable future, meaning he and Dorgu could become Amorim's first-choice partnership on the right.

Amorim has refused to close the door on the right wing-back spot becoming Amad's long-term position, but his craving for a left-footed player in the right-sided No.10 role means the Ivorian is playing in a more advanced role for now.

According to data specialists Transfermarkt, Dorgu made 12 of his 23 appearances for Lecce this season from the right, meaning Amorim was quite right when he instructed those who were questioning him to turn to WyScout.

Patrick Dorgu plays a pass on his Manchester United debut.

Patrick Dorgu does not lack experience on the right. -Credit:Oli Scarff/AFP via Getty Images.

Long-term, the expectation is that Dorgu's natural habitat will become the left flank. United desperately need a left-footed presence on that side of the pitch, but Amorim's post-match comments on Friday night suggested he wants Dorgu on the right for now.

United remain keen on strengthening their wing-back options ahead of the summer, and have long since identified blossoming Sporting Lisbon teenage star Geovany Quenda as a player of interest. He is also capable of playing on either flank, despite the right side being a more natural home.

If United can get a deal done for him in the summer, reuniting him with Amorim, Dorgu may eventually find himself sprinting in the direction of the Sir Alex Ferguson Stand when United break from their pre-match huddle.

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