Patrick Dorgu has insisted that Ruben Amorim’s criticism of him while at Manchester United was “wrong” and that it “hit me”. Dorgu, who became Amorim’s first signing for United, joining from Lecce for £25m in January 2025, initially struggled at Old Trafford. This mirrored the experience of many Red Devils players under the Portuguese manager during his difficult 14-month tenure.
Amorim’s Comments and Dorgu’s Reaction
Amorim criticised Dorgu following a 1-0 defeat to Everton back in November. He said at the time: “You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety.”
Dorgu has now reflected on those comments in an interview with The Telegraph, admitting he was “hit” by the criticism and tried to use it to spur himself on. “It hit me a little bit when Amorim says that because when the coach speaks bad about you [criticises you], it is always going to affect you a little bit. I just took it in the best possible way and tried to improve my game,” he said.
He added that he had begun to find his rhythm towards the end of Amorim’s time at the club. “Even before [Amorim] got sacked in the last couple of games, I started to get into a rhythm as people [team-mates] started going to Afcon. I had a good moment.”
Carrick’s Influence and Dorgu’s Role
Dorgu says he carried that confidence into the subsequent regimes of Darren Fletcher and Michael Carrick. “I just had to take that confidence into [the regimes of Darren] Fletcher and Carrick. I just tried to play with a bit more confidence and express myself.”
Under interim manager Michael Carrick, United have won nine of their 13 games. Carrick’s leadership has put pressure on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to give him the permanent job at Old Trafford, particularly as he has all-but secured Champions League football next season.
Dorgu was a key figure in the early stages of Carrick’s caretaker reign, scoring in the victories over Manchester City and Arsenal before a hamstring injury sidelined him. The Denmark international has since returned to the bench for the Brentford win and will be looking to play a significant role in the remainder of the season.
Dorgu Questions Amorim’s Choice of Words
Dorgu has also expressed his confusion about the timing and the language used in Amorim’s criticism. “I don’t think that was the word he [Amorim] was looking for,” Dorgu added. “Anxious? I don’t think it was that. I just think I didn’t have any confidence and the team was not in a good moment at that time.
“I think he said it at the wrong time because I played well in the national team. I don’t see how I can play well in one and play bad in the other, and all of a sudden I am anxious.”
Meanwhile, Crystal Palace have reportedly identified former Man Utd manager Ruben Amorim as a potential replacement for Oliver Glasner in the summer.