Manchester United’s current 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester Metropolis noticed a couple of tactical tweaks to Ruben Amorim’s aspect. A kind of was to seek out an inner resolution at left centre-back. With Lisandro Martinez’s harm, the Portuguese boss needed to discover a new supply of development in that space of the pitch.
Within the first half, Noussair Mazraoui began within the position however swapped sides with younger Leny Yoro, who began on the alternative aspect. Fortunately for Amorim, the Frenchman appeared comfy in that position.
Once more, it was a recreation the place Kobbie Mainoo began at quantity 10 after the experiment of taking part in him as a false 9 didn’t work, though he did wrestle. It additionally noticed a debut for brand spanking new signing Patrick Dorgu, though maybe not within the place many anticipated.
Patrick Dorgu’s Man United debut in numbers
After making the transfer from Serie A membership Lecce to Previous Trafford on the finish of the January switch window, it was assumed that Dorgu would play at left wing-back, though Amorim sprung a shock by beginning him on the proper as a substitute.
The brand new Purple Devils boss defended his choice determination at full time, explaining that “for his final group he performed lots of video games on the proper”. This definitely implies to United followers he may begin there extra typically.
H, Soccer analyst and host of The Overlap: The Breakdown, gave the impression to be happy with what he noticed from Dorgu on his first evening as a United participant. He stated the Dane “had a few actions the place he was sharp”, describing his efficiency as “good”.
Dorgu vs Leicester | |
|---|---|
Minutes performed | 45 |
Touches | 47 |
Correct passes | 23/28 (82%) |
Key passes | 0 |
Crosses | 1 |
Pictures | 1 |
Floor duels received | 4/9 |
Aerial duels received | 1/1 |
Fouls | 2 |
Was fouled | 2 |
Interceptions | 2 |
Tackles | 2 |
Stats by way of Sofascore. | |
In fact, there may nicely be strain that comes with the 20-year-old, by no fault of his personal. Not solely are United signings naturally closely scrutinised, however he was Amorim’s first acquisition. Nevertheless, it was not a signing that broke the financial institution, with the Dane costing simply £25m up entrance and an additional £4.1m in add-ons.
The wing-back on the alternative aspect is definitely price much more than what United paid for Dorgu, and he has definitely been funding for the Previous Trafford membership.
The Man United star who’s price greater than Dorgu
The participant in query right here is Portugal worldwide Diogo Dalot. He has been a vital participant beneath Amorim since he got here into the membership, taking part in at wing-back on each flanks and even for a short while in opposition to Rangers, at proper centre-back.
The 25-year-old, who got here by the youth ranks at FC Porto and value United £19m in 2018, has performed 19 video games beneath Amorim to this point. Dalot additionally bought himself on the scoresheet in the latest Europa League win for United, a 2-0 victory over FCSB.
The Purple Devils’ quantity 20 was described as “influential” by soccer statistician Statman Dave. That definitely appears true, given the variety of video games he has performed just lately.
Gary Neville has been filled with reward for the previous Porto participant this season. On the finish of December, he stated that Dalot, together with attacker Amad and Mazraoui, have been the one gamers “that may most likely say that they’ve executed okay” beneath the administration group.
Final season, Neville acknowledged that the Purple Devils “might need the right-back for the long run” in Dalot, suggesting this season is a continuation of excellent kind.
His stats from this season in comparison with final, courtesy of Squawka, make for good studying. For instance, he averages 5.9 ball recoveries within the Premier League this season in comparison with 5.6 in 2023/24.
Dalot final two PL seasons in contrast | ||
|---|---|---|
Stat (per 90) | 2023/24 | 2024/25 |
Passes accomplished | 37.7 | 35.5 |
Foward passes | 15 | 14.4 |
Duels received | 4.4 | 4.5 |
Interceptions | 1.4 | 1.1 |
Ball recoveries | 5.9 | 5.6 |
Stats from Squawka | ||
The Portugal worldwide has definitely been vital for the Purple Devils, and, in Neville’s opinion, he has performed nicely. Thus, it could be unsurprising to study he’s valued as extremely as £47m in keeping with Soccer Transfers.
In fact, that’s way over the £29.1m they paid for Dorgu, and the early indicators are that he shall be participant. It’s also a considerable improve on the £19m they invested in Dalot beneath Jose Mourinho, which is a 147% improve on the preliminary payment.
This looks like it has been a worthy funding from the Purple Devils. Not solely is the full-back a key participant now, however he could possibly be very important for years to return. His worth, which is much larger than what Dorgu price, has shot up since they first purchased him. All issues thought of, United actually struck gold on Dalot.
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