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Manchester United youngster Patrick Dorgu has come under fire after a disappointing performance during Sunday’s goalless draw against Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The January arrival was handed a significant opportunity to impress in the high-stakes derby clash but failed to capitalise, drawing harsh assessments from pundits following the match.
Former Watford striker Troy Deeney, speaking on Match of the Day 2, ridiculed Dorgu’s clumsy touch in the first half, likening it to that of a “baby elephant”.
The incident occurred after Alejandro Garnacho cut a dangerous ball across the box from the right flank, only for Dorgu’s heavy control to kill the move.
Deeney said: “This touch from Dorgu is the touch of a baby elephant. It is so terrible. If you want to score goals you need to do better.”
While the former Premier League frontman acknowledged United’s improved build-up play, he was unforgiving in his appraisal of the 19-year-old, sarcastically suggesting that Dorgu looked like he was wearing “builder’s boots”.
Garnacho, on the other hand, received praise for his tireless movement and direct running. Deployed as one of two No 10s in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, the Argentina international played with urgency and intent, frequently running in behind the City defence.
Deeney noted the budding chemistry developing between Garnacho and Dorgu down the left flank, but felt the latter failed to make the most of his chances.
It was not the first time Dorgu has faced criticism in recent days. In the wake of United’s 1-0 defeat to Nottingham Forest earlier in the week, former Republic of Ireland boss Martin O’Neill also questioned the teenager’s confidence and impact on the game.
Speaking as a pundit for TNT Sports, O’Neill remarked: “They had Dorgu playing tonight. I could have done what he did!”
He continued: “He’s wide left-hand side, he’s got the ball and you’re saying: ‘Come on! Your job is to take players on. Get at them!’ Maybe it’s no confidence, I don’t know what it is. But these type of things are all over the field for Manchester United.”
While still in the early stages of his senior career, performances in matches of such magnitude are often what define reputations.
The teenager will be hoping to bounce back quickly, particularly with fan and media scrutiny intensifying as the season reaches its business end.
Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images
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