Ruben Amorim tipped to replace two Manchester United players after Tottenham draw

Ruben Amorim has been tipped to replace two Manchester United players in the January transfer window.

United left the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium on Saturday with mixed feelings after a dramatic 2-2 draw with Spurs.

Bryan Mbeumo’s first-half header against his former manager Thomas Frank looked to be guiding the Red Devils to another impressive win.

But Mathys Tel equalised in the 84th minute before Richarlison put Tottenham ahead in the first minute of injury-time.

It was then Spurs’ turn to be disappointed as they conceded a late goal – Matthijs de Ligt scoring from a corner – to ensure a low-quality Premier League fixture finished all square.

Patrick Dorgu started at left-wing back ahead of Diogo Dalot, who started last weekend’s draw with Nottingham Forest by the same scoreline.

The wing-back positions are integral in Amorim’s 3-4-3 system and the Old Trafford boss has been tipped to replace both Dorgu and Dalot in January.

‘I thought Patrick Dorgu did okay today and was a bit unfortunate to come off. Judging by his reaction he was really disappointed to come off as well,’ ex-Liverpool, Blackburn and Coventry midfielder David Thompson said on Stadium Astro.

‘He works hard but his end-product needs improving, he needs to lift his head up in the final third.

‘There’s potential there but I think going forward United will have to improve in that area.

‘I prefer Dorgu over Dalot in that position, Dorgu can do a job for now, I think he’s a better player than Dalot.

‘That position requires a lot of maturity but also legs so it’s quite a conundrum. That’s the system Amorim wants to play.

‘Luke Shaw used to have the athleticism to play there but the injuries do take a toll on you.

‘But you can get that back and they’re only playing once a week because they’re not in Europe so he potentially could be the problem-solver.’

Asked whether he expects Amorim to sign a new left-wing back in January, Thompson added: ‘100 per cent.’

Ex-Tottenham defender Gary Stevens also questioned whether England international Shaw can play at left-wing back going forwards.

‘Dorgu is possibly more athletic and energetic but I would go the other way and go with Dalot for now,’ Stevens said. ”That’s just a personal preference from what I’ve seen.

‘That position is hugely important for Amorim. You have to make lots of decisions in that position on when to advance and give the team that additional width or stick.

‘Luke Shaw has the experience to play there but maybe not the athleticism for that role.’

Manchester United title winner Lee Sharpe has also tipped Amorim to replace Dalot, one of the club’s longest-serving players.

Jose Mourinho brought Dalot to Old Trafford in 2018 and described his compatriot as ‘the best young full-back in Europe’.

But Sharpe told Adventure Gamers: ‘Both Diogo Dalot and Patrick Dorgu have struggled at left wing-back for Manchester United this season.

‘I’ve always thought Dalot is a bit sloppy in his decision-making at times – he gives the ball away cheaply and gets caught out of position defensively.

‘I also don’t think he gets close enough to wingers when they’re crossing the ball, so there’s a few things in his game that I feel need improving.

‘I think it’s an area Manchester United would want to look at in January or next summer.

‘Dorgu looks like he could become quite a good player, but he’s had a couple of injuries and is a bit inconsistent with his form, so he’s not quite ready to be relied on just yet.’

Manchester United’s draw with Tottenham leaves Amorim’s side eighth in the Premier League, level on points with fifth-placed Spurs.

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