Patrick Dorgu unleashed at Manchester United: How a tactical switch has sparked his breakthrough

Photo: Manchester United

Patrick Dorgu has been a standout performer at Manchester United over recent weeks, with his displays particularly improving after the tactical switch to push him further forward.

When Dorgu arrived at United from Lecce in February 2025, he was clearly brought in as a versatile young wing-back with raw athleticism, huge potential, and also the physical traits to make the Premier League his proving ground. However, United fans struggled to see this during last season, and he was not at his best at the start of this campaign. Potential seemed to be just that - potential.

Yet over the past few weeks, this has all changed.

From wing-back to attacking force

During Ruben Amorim's time at United, Dorgu was being deployed as a wing-back either on the left or the right. He was tasked with defensive duties front-and-centre, intermittent overlaps and the occasional incisive runs.

While he was not producing terrible performances, his displays were not pulling any trees. He showed the slight hints of promise, but was largely underwhelming at first.

The transformation started when Amorim reconfigured the formation during the festive fixtures, particularly the home win against Newcastle United, where he switched to a four-at-the-back formation. Given the absences of Amad and Bryan Mbeumo at the time, Dorgu was pushed further up the pitch into a more attacking, right-wing role, something the Dane had experience with going back to his time at Lecce.

This subtle tactical tweak has unlocked something totally different in Dorgu's game.

This was highlighted by his fabulous volley against Newcastle, which ended up being enough for United to win the game. The display earned him massive plaudits, and it was also the occasion of his first goal for the club. It is well known now that Dorgu is somewhat of a duel-demon, amassing a staggering amount of duels every game. However, against Newcastle he also starred in the amount of clearances, the number of times he progressed the ball, and particularly the amount of chances that he created.

Dorgu being pushed further forward could be indicative of the lack of options United had on the wings, but it could just be the opportunity that allowed him to show his true qualities going forward. At Lecce, he played on the wings plenty of times, and in those positions showed that he has a lot to offer.

Building confidence against big teams

His display against Manchester City is also one that got plenty of fans thinking whether having Dorgu on the wings could actually work.

In the derby at Old Trafford, Dorgu absolutely starred. United pressed City, while also looked to soak pressure and hit a relatively inexperienced City backline on the break.

Photo: Manchester United

Dorgu, playing on the left wing, was a constant thorn in City's defence, and he eventually sealed the win for United with an excellent first-time finish after sneaking in behind Rico Lewis. He was one of United's most involved attacking outlets, as Michael Carrick's team utilised his pace down the left.

In a match as high-profile and crucial as the Manchester Derby, Dorgu rose to the occasion and delivered. It was indicative of how Dorgu is no longer just a utility player, but a genuine option further forward. Carrick's confidence in him also speaks volume, preferring to start him ahead of more conventional forwards like Matheus Cunha, Benjamin Sesko and Mason Mount.

Evolution of style

What makes Dorgu's recent upturn in form so compelling is how complete his evolution has been.

He has shown his defensive solidity by still winning plenty of ground duels while also tracking back, two qualities that his early season performances hinted at but did not consistently deliver.

Dorgu has also been producing more output going forward, something that is expected given his positioning higher up. The Dane has given United an extra goal threat at times when others have either been unavailable or out of form.

A key quality that many knew about Dorgu is his tactical adaptability, but it has become even clearer over recent weeks. His willingness to embrace different roles reflects both a sense of maturity and intelligence, two key qualities that United should be targeting in the long-term.

There are still aspects of his game that need to improve, particularly in terms of his end-product. However, given he is still just 21 years of age and with his confidence growing week on week, he will gradually continue to grow.

It will be interesting to see how Carrick manages to fit all of the attacking options that United have in a single team, and whether it would mean that Dorgu returns to left-back. But whatever happens, Dorgu has played his way in the United team, and could be a vital player for United's future.