“Amorim is a Great Manager, But He Really Needs to Work on This Guy – Wolves Boss Names the ONE Man United Player That Must Improve (Not Mainoo, Not Hojlund)”
The Premier League is an unforgiving place. Managers come and go, players either sink or swim, and reputations are built—or shattered—week by week. In the latest wave of intense scrutiny surrounding Manchester United’s troubled campaign, a surprising name has entered the conversation: Wolves manager Gary O’Neil. Known for his candid views and sharp tactical insights, O’Neil has weighed in on Manchester United’s ongoing struggles, singling out one player in particular who, in his opinion, must improve—immediately—if United and their incoming manager, Rúben Amorim, want to avoid a nightmare scenario next season.
And no, it’s not Kobbie Mainoo. Nor is it Rasmus Højlund.
“It’s Patrick Dorgu,” O’Neil said in a blunt post-match interview. “Amorim is a great manager, no doubt about that. But if he’s serious about staying in the Premier League next season, he really needs to work on this guy. If not, they will relegate. That’s not a warning—it’s a reality.”
Harsh words? Perhaps. But when you look at Dorgu’s journey at Manchester United, it’s hard to argue with the underlying message. Despite being seen as a highly promising talent, Dorgu has yet to truly make his mark on the first team. His performances have been inconsistent, and he’s found himself relegated to the fringes of the squad more often than not. While his potential is undeniable, the young player’s lack of impact in key matches has become a growing concern.
Now, with Amorim reportedly set to take over the reins at Old Trafford this summer, a cloud of uncertainty hangs over Dorgu’s future. Will the Portuguese tactician find a way to unlock the potential that had United fans buzzing when he first arrived? Or will Dorgu fade into the background, a cautionary tale of untapped promise?
O’Neil’s comments, though unexpected, tap into a broader concern among fans and pundits. Despite flashes of potential, Dorgu has struggled to find consistency, and his ability to make a decisive difference on the pitch has been questioned. His ball control is at times erratic, and his decision-making in the final third often leaves fans frustrated. If he is to secure a long-term place at United, drastic improvement is needed.
And yet, Amorim, known for his man-management skills and ability to reinvigorate young talents, might be Dorgu’s last chance. If the Sporting Lisbon boss can bring out the version of Dorgu that earned him a spot at such a prestigious club, Manchester United could have a valuable asset on their hands. But if not, as O’Neil bluntly warned, United’s midfield and attacking imbalance could drag them into the bottom half—and worse, into a relegation battle.
“Every team has passengers,” O’Neil added. “But you can’t afford them at Manchester United—not anymore. Not with the way the league is going. Teams like Luton, Forest, even Bournemouth—they’re scrapping every week. If United keep carrying players who don’t press, don’t create, and don’t contribute, it won’t matter how good Amorim is.”
With the summer window approaching and massive changes looming, one thing is clear: Amorim may have the tactical mind, but he’s inheriting a squad riddled with psychological and structural issues. And if Patrick Dorgu doesn’t rise to the occasion, he could become the defining symbol of another failed era at Old Trafford.
The ball is in Dorgu’s court now. Will he finally step up under Amorim’s guidance—or become the scapegoat of a fallen giant’s downfall? Only time will tell.