After a third-place finish under Michael Carrick last season, many Manchester United supporters were excited about the possibility of mounting a Premier League title challenge in 2026/27.
However, just four games into the new campaign, supporters are already doubting the Red Devils’ chances of success after only winning one game to date.
Defeats against newly-promoted Hull City and bitter rivals Manchester City have brought fans back down to earth with a bang and left the club sitting in 13th position.
Some major issues have been raised during the first few encounters of the new campaign, with Carrick simply unable to secure success with two members starting on a consistent basis.
Why Dorgu & Dalot are holding United back from success
In years gone by, United has been home to numerous elite-level full-backs, but Carrick unfortunately does not have the same luxury in the present day.
Patrick Dorgu has had to cover at left-back in the absence of starting full-back Luke Shaw, but it’s safe to say he’s not at the level needed to succeed in the Premier League.
The Danish star was unable to impress against Manchester City on Sunday, subsequently being dribbled past twice and unable to prevent the opposition from getting in behind.
Even though he’s more of an attacking full-back, the 21-year-old was unable to provide the goods in forward areas – as he only completed 25% of his attempted crosses.
Patrick Dorgu – stats against Man City | |
|---|---|
Statistics | Tally |
Minutes played | 90 |
Touches | 68 |
Pass accuracy | 90% |
Cross success | 25% |
Dribbled past | 2 |
Fouls committed | 3 |
Aerials won | 0 |
Dribbles completed | 0 |
Fellow full-back Diogo Dalot operated on the opposite side of the pitch for the Red Devils, but like Dorgu, failed to provide the goods at either end of the pitch.
The Portuguese international could only complete one of the tackles he attempted at Old Trafford, whilst also losing out in 53% of the ground duels he entered.
In attacking areas, he was just as ineffective against Enzo Maresca’s men, subsequently failing to find a teammate with any of his crosses, whilst being unable to create any chances.
Another Man Utd outcast looks finished under Carrick
There’s no denying that United have already fallen way below the expectations placed upon them in the early stages of the new campaign, with Carrick already starting to become a man under pressure.
It’s evident that his senior squad is still a way off being ready to compete in a title fight, with the recent defeat to rivals Manchester City proving exactly that.
Dalot and Dorgu are two prime examples of the lack of quality available to the manager, with such a partnership way below the level expected for a side at the top end of England’s top-flight.
However, the aforementioned duo aren’t the only senior members who are below the level needed for success, with striker Joshua Zirkzee another who unfortunately looks to be finished at Old Trafford.
Benjamin Sesko has been the Red Devils’ main talisman in recent times, but his injury has seen the likes of Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo operate in a false nine role.
Carrick has preferred both of the forwards to the Dutchman as a number nine, which could be seen as a damning statement given such a role is his natural one.
However, he was handed an opportunity to have an impact on the Manchester Derby on Sunday afternoon, but ultimately the 25-year-old failed to take advantage of the chance handed his way.
Zirkzee featured for just seven minutes off the bench at the weekend, subsequently being handed his first appearance in the Premier League this campaign.
He could only register nine touches of the ball after his introduction, but despite his limited action, he still managed to show why he’s not at the level required.
The Dutchman could only complete 71% of the passes he attempted, subsequently losing possession on three occasions during his seven-minute showing.
He also failed to pick out a teammate with a cross during the defeat, with the attempt he placed into the box sailing high and wide of the players in the 18-yard box.
Zirkzee also failed to win any duels at Old Trafford, as Maresca’s men were easily able to contain the threat posed by the forward after his introduction off the bench.
The forward has now gone 15 games without a competitive goal, with Carrick evidently not having the backup option needed to achieve success this campaign.
He, Dorgu and Dalot are ultimately not at the level needed for a side challenging for the title, which has highlighted the failure of INEOS in the market over recent years.
All of the trio desperately need to be moved on in the near future, with big-money needing to be spent if the club are to mount a challenge to end their title drought in the years ahead.
Source: www.footballfancast.com
