10 duels won, 9 recoveries: £25m Man Utd star dazzles vs Man City in new role, Carrick deserves credit
Manchester United returned to winning ways on Saturday afternoon with a 2-0 victory over Manchester City at Old Trafford.
The Red Devils were the dominant outfit from the off and completely deserved their resounding win over the Cityzens at home.
Several players stood out in the Manchester derby, and we were particularly impressed by Patrick Dorgu’s showing on the left wing.
The Dane made his second start from the left wing this term. He surprisingly got the nod over Matheus Cunha, and it proved worthwhile.
Dorgu won an impressive 10 duels while completing nine recoveries.
He also won two tackles and capped his performance with a crucial second goal in the derby.
Dorgu was once denied by goalkeeper Gianluigi Donnarumma, but eventually capitalised on Rico Lewis’ slow reaction to double United’s lead.
The £25 million star was signed as a wing-back option by the Red Devils last winter, but the former Lecce man is no doubt better going forward.
He had a top display in an unfamiliar new position on the left wing, where he has rarely played.
Dorgu played as a left-back during the FA Cup third round exit to Brighton & Hove Albion, and interim boss Michael Carrick could have dropped him to the bench.
With Luke Shaw’s return at left-back, Carrick chose to go with Dorgu from the left wing. The 44-year-old has to be lauded for the big derby decision.
United’s win over their arch-rivals has brought them within one point of fourth-placed Liverpool after the latter’s surprise 1-1 draw with Burnley at Anfield.
The Red Devils face Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium next Sunday, and they must replicate the derby showing to get the better of the Gunners on the road.
United have not beaten the Gunners in an away league game since December 2017. They have the opportunity to end the streak and boost their Champions League pursuit.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com & Sofascore.com
Article written by Sri Aswin .