Patrick Dorgu Stands Firm Behind Amorim’s 3-4-3 Strategy Despite Early Turbulence

In the wake of Manchester United’s shaky start to the 2025–26 Premier League season, new signing Patrick Dorgu has emerged as a vocal supporter of manager Rúben Amorim and his preferred 3-4-3 formation. With just one point from the opening two matches, criticism has mounted over the system’s rigid execution. Yet Dorgu argues that its real strength lies in tactical flexibility and in-game adaptation.

Tactical Fluidity Over Fixed Shape

Rather than sticking to static roles, Dorgu highlights how the formation permits seamless shifts—such as morphing into a 4-3-3 when necessary. “It depends what system you’re playing against,” he said, pointing to how wing-backs can drop alongside center-backs or midfielders can adjust to get free when tightly marked. “It’s more like how you’re dealing with it.”

He expanded on this, noting: “If the midfielders feel like they’re getting man-marked, then they can move down, get the ball, and play. You need to move… You can move in your position.” This emphasis on fluidity underscores the belief that success hinges on player understanding and movement—not just the chosen formation.

Pre-Season Preparation and Full Commitment

Dorgu praised the benefits of experiencing a full pre-season under Amorim—a luxury afforded by United’s absence from European competitions. This uninterrupted period has allowed players to fully grasp Amorim’s principles and systems. “We understand what he wants us to do… Now that we’re not in Europe, we have more training.”

Club Ambitions and Summer Reinforcements

Despite the 15th-place finish and Europa League final loss last season, optimism remains high. Dorgu reaffirmed United’s ambitions: “We are aiming to win the Premier League… We just need to take it game by game.”

The summer transfer window has also seen significant investment—over £214 million on new signings and £50 million on facility upgrades—which Dorgu believes injects fresh energy and quality into the squad.

Dorgu: Perfect Fit for the System

The Denmark international, a versatile wing-back who joined from Lecce in February, is already emerging as a pivotal piece in Amorim’s setup. Dorgu is comfortable adapting on both flanks, and his athleticism enables him to execute the demanding role of a modern wing-back—defensive solidity combined with attacking support.

United fans and pundits have noticed his impact—he’s been praised for his energy, defensive work rate, and attacking intent

Opposition Critics and System Challenges

Despite Dorgu’s confidence, critics remain skeptical. Some point out the lack of ideal personnel for Amorim’s system—particularly the need for mobile center-backs, dynamic midfields, and clinical attacking wing-backs. Reddit users have noted how faster opposition wingers can exploit the spaces the 3-4-3 leaves exposed.

Moreover, past performance reviews have labeled Amorim’s system as overly rigid given the current squad. Tactical breakdowns suggest that, though successful at Sporting CP, it hasn’t yet been fully effective at Manchester United due to mismatched personnel.

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In Summary

Patrick Dorgu’s endorsement of Rúben Amorim’s 3-4-3 formation comes from a place of firsthand experience. With a clearer understanding of his role, improved training conditions, and a squad refreshed by investment, he believes the system can flourish. Yet whether the setup truly fits the current squad—in both defensive resilience and attacking creativity—remains a critical question as the season unfolds.