Dorgu Hits Back at Amorim Over Anxiety Jibe: 'Wrong Word, Wrong Time'

Patrick Dorgu has pushed back against Ruben Amorim's public criticism, dismissing the former Manchester United boss's assessment as misguided and admitting the remarks stung him.

Brought to Old Trafford as Amorim's first signing for £25m from Lecce in January 2025, Dorgu endured a difficult settling-in period as United's squad struggled under the Portuguese manager's 14-month tenure. Following a 1-0 loss to Everton in November, Amorim took aim at the left-back's demeanour on the pitch.

"You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball," Amorim observed at the time. "I can feel the anxiety."

Speaking to The Telegraph, Dorgu conceded the barb landed hard but maintained he channelled it constructively. "It hit me a little bit when Amorim says that because when the coach speaks bad about 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 explained.

The 21-year-old's fortunes shifted as Amorim's grip on the club loosened. With squad members departing for the Africa Cup of Nations, Dorgu found his rhythm in the closing weeks of the manager's reign and has carried that momentum forward under interim chief Michael Carrick.

Carrick's caretaker spell has yielded nine wins from 13 matches, putting genuine heat on Sir Jim Ratcliffe and INEOS to hand him the permanent role after virtually securing Champions League qualification. Dorgu emerged as an unlikely star of the early Carrick era, netting in stunning triumphs over Manchester City and Arsenal before a hamstring complaint sidelined him. He returned to the bench for the Brentford victory and remains keen to make an impact in the run-in.

Reflecting on Amorim's critique, Dorgu questioned both its accuracy and its timing. "I don't think that was the word he was looking for," the Denmark international said. "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."