Manchester United star made case to keep Ruben Amorim vs Everton

We are four months into Ruben Amorim’s reign as Manchester United head coach and the jury is still very much out. Improbably, results have gotten even worse since the Portuguese took charge last November, though there is mitigation given he has tried to implement a completely new tactical approach and has had to contend with a worsening injury crisis to a squad that was already inadequate.

To some supporters, he needs time to work on his new style of play and mould the squad into his vision, while to some, he has failed his task of making the players at his disposal better and is amplifying their issues due to an unwillingness to change his approach.

The weekend draw with Everton showcased both sides of the argument. A United side low on confidence and lacking identity were there for the taking, but several players simply weren't good enough and they did at least show some fight to get back into the match. There was one player in particular who made a strong case for Amorim to stay.

Manchester United star made case to keep Ruben Amorim

The biggest defence of Amorim is that he inherited an inadequate squad that is not in his mould and is incapable of playing his desired formation. He of course has to take a lot of responsibility for not adapting their tactics to suit those at his disposal, though there are signs that his approach is worth sticking with and can work in the long run.

A key issue in his first months was the clear imbalance of the squad, particularly at left wing-back where there was not a single player suited to the role. That problem was addressed with the addition of Patrick Dorgu last month and at Goodison Park he showed enough to suggest he could be a success at the club.

The 20-year-old caught the eye at Everton with a dynamic display on the left wing, making a key contribution at both ends of the pitch. He overcame a few shaky moments early on and grew in confidence as he relished the attacking freedom he was allowed and linked up well with his teammates.

Dorgu finished the match having won all the tackles he attempted, won eight ground duels, recovered the ball eight times, made six clearances, and put four crosses into the box. He could even have had an assist when a dangerous low ball into the box was just missed by Rasmus Hojlund.

It is still early days, and perhaps the reason Dorgu shone so bright is that he hasn't had the confidence knocked out of him like the rest of his teammates, but there was genuine promise from his performance and something to get excited about in a season which has had so little enjoyment.

The real test will be to perform well over a prolonged period, but amid questions over Amorim's suitability to the role and his tactical approach, Dorgu is evidence it might well be successful yet if the squad can be shaped into his vision. He just needs to be backed.

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