Across Melbet Affiliates discussions and football circles, Manchester United’s defensive dilemma has become a hot topic once again. Ruben Amorim, one year into his tenure, has already spent close to €40 million on two left-backs, yet his team’s recent three-game winning run has been powered by an improvised choice—Diogo Dalot, a right-back by trade, filling in on the left flank. It’s a curious situation that highlights both Amorim’s tactical flexibility and the club’s lingering recruitment problems.
Patrick Dorgu, signed for €35 million in the January window, has struggled to justify his fee. In the 4-2 win over Brighton, he came off the bench for Amad Diallo and nearly got himself sent off after a reckless foul on Yankuba Minteh. He escaped punishment only because Minteh’s heavy touch spared him, but the resulting free kick still led to a Brighton goal through Danny Welbeck. For many fans, Dorgu has become a source of anxiety rather than assurance. His two assists in 29 matches tell only part of the story—his attacking energy is often wasted through poor decisions and loss of possession. Amorim’s patience appears to be wearing thin, as Dorgu now spends more time on the bench than in the starting XI.
Even so, the club’s official site included Dorgu in the September shortlist for Player of the Month, alongside Bruno Fernandes and Benjamin Šeško—a nomination that baffled supporters. Bruno ultimately won, and by October, Dorgu had fallen completely out of favor. Amorim’s other young left-back signing, 18-year-old Diego León, was demoted to the U21s after a short spell training with the senior squad. León showed promise with a long-range solo goal against Tottenham’s youth side, but he remains too raw for top-flight action. Meanwhile, Tyrell Malacia finally reappeared on the bench against Brighton, marking his first inclusion in nine months after a long injury layoff.
Within Melbet Affiliates communities, many are already speculating that United may need to recruit yet another left-back next year. Luke Shaw, now 29, has transitioned into a left-sided center-back role to fit Amorim’s 3-4-3 structure, while young English defender Harry Amass—once hailed as Shaw’s successor—is on loan at Sheffield Wednesday to gain experience. Supporters have also revisited a familiar grievance: former manager Erik ten Hag’s refusal to trust Álvaro Fernández Carreras, now flourishing as Real Madrid’s first-choice left-back.
During Sunday’s El Clásico, while Marcus Rashford drew attention for his creative display, Carreras quietly impressed with a commanding defensive performance. The Spaniard, who joined United’s academy at 17 and once won their Reserve Player of the Year award, was loaned out to Preston North End in 2022–23 and named Best Young Player. Yet Ten Hag dismissed him as too slow for the Premier League, insisting his defensive style only fit three-at-the-back systems.
That judgment now looks costly. After shining at Benfica, Carreras earned a €50 million transfer to Real Madrid and has started 12 of 13 La Liga games this season. Against Barcelona, he tallied two tackles, three clearances, three interceptions, and six successful duels—completely shutting down young star Lamine Yamal. His progress stands in stark contrast to United’s ongoing struggles on the left flank.
For Amorim, whose formation relies heavily on tireless, technically sharp wing-backs, the current roster simply doesn’t meet the demands of his system. Unless Dorgu improves drastically, a new signing seems inevitable. For Melbet Affiliates followers observing United’s evolution, the situation serves as another reminder that football isn’t just about big spending—it’s about finding the right pieces for the right plan. In this case, United’s costly experiments have yet to yield the stability they paid for.