Manchester United’s current 2-1 FA Cup win over Leicester Metropolis noticed just a few tactical tweaks to Ruben Amorim’s facet. A type 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 function however swapped sides with younger Leny Yoro, who began on the other facet. Fortunately for Amorim, the Frenchman appeared snug in that function.
Once more, it was a recreation the place Kobbie Mainoo began at quantity 10 after the experiment of enjoying him as a false 9 didn’t work, though he did battle. 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After making the transfer from Serie A membership Lecce to Outdated Trafford on the finish of the January switch window, it was assumed that Dorgu would play at left wing-back, though Amorim sprung a shock by beginning him on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 best as an alternative.
The brand new Purple Devils boss defended his choice resolution at full time, explaining that “for his final crew he performed loads of video games on the best”. This definitely implies to United followers he may begin there extra usually.
H, Soccer analyst and host of The Overlap: The Breakdown, appeared to be happy with what he noticed from Dorgu on his first night time as a United participant. He mentioned 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 |
Photographs |
1 |
Floor duels received |
4/9 |
Aerial duels received |
1/1 |
Fouls |
2 |
Was fouled |
2 |
Interceptions |
2 |
Tackles |
2 |
Stats through Sofascore. |
In fact, there may nicely be strain that comes with the 20-year-old, by means of 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 extra £4.1m in add-ons.
The wing-back on the other facet is definitely price much more than what United paid for Dorgu, and he has definitely been a superb funding for the Outdated Trafford membership.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 an important participant below Amorim since he got here into the membership, enjoying at wing-back on each flanks and even for a short while towards Rangers, at proper centre-back.
The 25-year-old, who got here by means of the youth ranks at FC Porto and price United £19m in 2018, has performed 19 video games below Amorim thus far. Dalot additionally received himself on the scoresheet in the newest 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 lately.
Gary Neville has been filled with reward for the previous Porto participant this season. On the finish of December, he mentioned that Dalot, together with attacker Amad and Mazraoui, had been the one gamers “that may in all probability say that they’ve accomplished okay” below the administration crew.
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 type.
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 essential for the Purple Devils, and, in Neville’s opinion, he has performed nicely. Thus, it may be unsurprising to study he’s valued as extremely as £47m in response to Soccer Transfers.
In fact, that’s way over the £29.1m they paid for Dorgu, and the early indicators are that he can be a superb participant. Additionally it is a considerable improve on the £19m they invested in Dalot below Jose Mourinho, which is a 147% improve on the preliminary charge.
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 important for years to come back. His worth, which is much greater than what Dorgu price, has shot up since they first purchased him. All issues thought-about, United actually struck gold on Dalot.

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