Patrick Dorg played under Michael Carrick before suffering a hamstring injury and is now speaking out against criticism from former Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim.
Patrick Dorg revealed how Ruben Amorim’s past comments affected him (Image: Getty)
Patrick Dorg has admitted he was stung by criticism from former Manchester United manager Reuven Amorim after the midfielder claimed the left-back felt “uneasy” when he touched the ball in his final weeks at Old Trafford.
The former Sporting Lisbon manager was sacked by United in early January after a disappointing 14-month reign, although results and performances improved under Michael Carrick after the former Red Devils midfielder was handed the reins on an interim basis.
It was in November that Amorim asked Dorg, who signed for £25m from Lecce last year, after a 1-0 defeat at Everton. “You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball,” he said. “I understand your anxiety.”
Reflecting on those comments almost four months after Amorim’s departure, Dorg admitted that the criticism had affected him, but also admitted that he used it as fuel to improve his performance.
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“I was a little shocked by Amorim’s words, because when a coach criticizes you, it always affects you a little bit. I took it in the best possible way and tried to improve my game,” the 21-year-old told the Telegraph.
“Even before (Amorim) was sacked in the last few games, people (teammates) started going to the Afcon, so we started to find a rhythm and we had some good moments.
“I had to bring that confidence into (Darren) Fletcher and Carrick’s system. I just tried to play with a little more confidence and express myself.”
Dorg impressed in the early weeks of manager Michael Carrick’s reign before suffering a hamstring injury (Image: Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
Prior to this week, Dorgu had been sidelined since January after sustaining a serious hamstring injury in the 3-2 away win against Arsenal, in which he scored a goal. The Denmark international was one of Carrick’s standout performers in his early weeks in charge before his injury.
Under Carrick, United are all but certain to return to the Champions League next season, making the 44-year-old a strong candidate for the permanent job. Regarding Amorim’s comments, Dorg admitted that the comments came at a time when the team was struggling and lacking confidence.
“I don’t think that was the word he (Amorim) was looking for,” Dorg added. “Anxiety? I don’t think there was anything like that. But I didn’t have confidence in myself, and I don’t think it was a good time for the team at the time either.”
“I think he said it at the wrong time because I played well in the national team. I don’t know how to play well on the one hand and play badly on the other. And suddenly I became anxious.”
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