Wayne Rooneyโs explosive comments ahead of Manchester Unitedโs crunch clash with Athletic Bilbao have shaken the football world just hours before kick-off. Speaking on a live panel, the United icon didnโt hold back when discussing the tactical decision to start Patrick Dorgu at left-back, criticizing the young defenderโs recent performances and questioning his suitability for such a high-stakes European encounter.
Rooney stated flatly:
> โEveryone keeps saying Dorgu is better on that wingโbut I completely disagree. If I were Amorim, I wouldnโt start him today. Bilbaoโs attack wonโt know what hit them if we go with someone smarter. Dorgu has been clueless latelyโletโs be honest. The right choice is clear, and itโs not Dorgu.โ
His strong words come at a pivotal moment for United, who are entering a crucial stage of their European campaign under new boss Rรบben Amorim. With Luke Shaw recently returning to fitness, Rooney and a growing section of the fanbase believe the veteran defender should be trusted to handle the pressure, especially against a disciplined and technically sharp Athletic Bilbao side.
Dorgu, who joined from Lecce last summer, has shown bursts of brilliance with his pace and physical presence. However, recent games have exposed his tactical naivety, poor positioning, and failure to read dangerโparticularly in big moments. Critics argue that in a game of fine margins, such weaknesses could be costly.
Rooneyโs remarks have gone viral across social media platforms, with fans echoing his views:
โDorgu’s raw, but this isnโt the match to experiment.โ
โWe need experience, calm headsโRooney is spot on.โ
โIf we lose and Dorgu starts, this will come back to haunt Amorim.โ
The pressure now falls squarely on Amorim, who must decide whether to back youth or revert to experience. His selection could define the nightโnot only in terms of result but also in maintaining credibility with the fanbase and club legends.
With the lineup announcement looming, the world waits: will Amorim stick with Dorguโor heed Rooneyโs rallying cry and turn to Shaw or another seasoned alternative?
