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Patrick Dorgu has given his verdict on Rasmus Hojlund’s expected exit as he closes in on a proposed move to Napoli.
Hojlund on his way out of United
Hojlund has been frozen out of the United since the season started and it’s looking increasingly clear that his days at Old Trafford are numbered.
The striker was left out of both matchday squads against Arsenal and Fulham, with Ruben Amorim preferring other alternatives up front.
It’s understood Hojlund was informed that he does not feature highly in the Portuguese coach’s plans and would be best served by leaving before the close of the summer transfer window. Napoli are believed to be closing in on his signing and there have been suggestions that a deal could be wrapped up in the next few hours.
As all this unfolds, Dorgu has weighed in, emphasising that no player’s future at a club is ever guaranteed.
Dorgu names Hojlund as his best friend and shares opinion on his future
Dorgu told the Manchester Evening News, “Obviously, we don’t know if he’s leaving. He is training with us and he’s part of the team.”
“You need to talk to the coach about why he was not in the squad. But if he ended up leaving, that’s part of the game, everyone is not secure to be here. Obviously I would still see him with the national team.”
The defender also opened up on his progress at United since joining the club from Lecce in January. He endured a tough start to life at Old Trafford as the team finished a lowly 15th place in the Premier League. However, Dorgu is confident that this year will be much better, both individually and collectively.
He remarked about last term, “I think I learned a lot. It was a difficult and I was thrown into everything, but I feel I dealt with it good. I just try to bring a lot of confidence into this season.”
“It’s a new season and everyone did well in pre-season. I’m just trying to play myself into the team more. Just give the fans what they deserve and I think everyone is trying to put United where we need to be.”
Dorgu on his role under Amorim
Amorim has primarily deployed Dorgu as a wing-back but the 20-year-old told the Manchester Evening News that he is versatile and can be used in a number of roles.
“In Denmark, I was playing wing-back. Then when I moved to Lecce, I was playing left back, and then the last season before I moved to United, I was playing more as a winger.”
“It’s just easier to attack as a wing back than as a full back – I feel comfortable in that role. But I could still do the job as I full back, but it’s just less attacking.”
He added about his current position, “I think just a lot of runs, like being more attacking. I could have been more attacking last season and I feel like in pre-season I’ve improved that a little bit. It’s just to attack more [Amorim’s message], get into the box, help the team create more chances.”
“I like to tackle, I like to attack, I like to score goals, gain assists, so I think just to play wing back, you need to be all around, you need to be good at tackling, you need to be good at defensive work as well.”
He said about Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system, “It depends what system you’re playing against. You can always drop alongside the centre backs to make it a 4-3-3. It’s just about adapting to who you’re playing against and just help each other, move for each other, and then it’s not really about the system. It’s more like how you’re dealing with it.”
“It’s up to you how you want to play. If the midfielders feel like they’re getting man-marked, then they can move down [towards defence], get the ball, and then play. You just need to move. Obviously, you’re not just going to move around [anywhere]. I can’t just run to the right side, but you can move in your position.”
Dorgu reveals lofty ambitions for the new season
United have not won the Premier League since 2013, when Sir Alex Ferguson retired, but Dorgu says the this should still be the objective this season.
“100 per cent, we are aiming to win the Premier League and we just need to take it game by game.”
“We are Manchester United, so that’s always going to be our goal.”
“I think the facilities help, I think new signings have helped as well. hey bring a lot of good energy, quality into the group. We tried to be positive about our new season.”
“Everyone has a point to prove this season. We need to get back to Europe, so I feel like if we are as a group and ready to perform on the pitch. We need to stick together, be happy, positive, and try to do what the coach asks.”
Dorgu highlighted the strong connection he has developed with Matheus Cunha, praising the Brazilian’s qualities and the potential partnership they could build at United.
Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images
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