Troy Deeney criticizes underperforming Manchester United player, saying he has the “first touch of an elephant” and calls his performance “terrible”
Troy Deeney didn’t mince words as he weighed in on Manchester United’s performance in their recent goalless derby against Manchester City. He offered a mix of encouragement and critique, highlighting Alejandro Garnacho’s energetic display while taking a firm swipe at Patrick Dorgu’s underwhelming moment in the match. Deeney likened Dorgu’s heavy first touch to that of a “baby elephant,” a harsh but vivid way to illustrate the youngster’s technical lapse during a key attacking opportunity.
The game itself, held at Old Trafford, didn’t quite deliver the intensity fans usually expect from a Manchester derby. United showed more attacking intent and created a number of chances but failed to capitalize, with poor finishing once again proving costly. Garnacho was at the heart of most of United’s best moments, nearly bursting through on goal in the first minute before being brought down by Ruben Dias just outside the area. Later, he was picked out by a pinpoint cross from Diogo Dalot but squandered the chance due to indecision—caught between attempting a header and a volley.
While Garnacho’s execution in the final third left something to be desired, Deeney applauded the young winger’s movement and tactical awareness, pointing out that he clearly understands and executes manager Rúben Amorim’s strategy of stretching the opposition with runs behind the defense. That tactical discipline, in Deeney’s eyes, is a positive sign of Garnacho’s development under the new system.
Garnacho later looked to switch roles by setting up his teammates. From the right side, he cut the ball back for Dorgu, who made a smart run into the box. But instead of seizing the moment, Dorgu miscontrolled the pass with a clumsy touch that killed the opportunity. Deeney didn’t hold back, calling it unacceptable for a player trying to make a name for himself at the top level. Despite the criticism, Deeney did see promise in the budding partnership between Garnacho and Dorgu on the left flank, suggesting that with more polish and consistency, they could become a formidable duo.
Adding another layer to the conversation, Paul Scholes gave a more somber take on United’s youth setup after the game. He expressed concern that the club might actually be considering selling talents like Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo at the end of the season. While he admitted it was speculative, Scholes warned that moving on from players who have come through the academy, especially someone like Mainoo who has been with United from a very young age, would undermine the values the club claims to uphold. For him, it would send the wrong message about United’s commitment to developing and retaining homegrown talent.
In all, the derby exposed ongoing flaws in United’s finishing and decision-making, but also showed glimpses of tactical clarity and youth-driven potential under Amorim. Deeney’s remarks captured the current tension at the club—hope for what’s brewing, but frustration over how it’s being executed. With talk of selling rising stars to fund big moves, United finds itself at a crossroads between maintaining its identity and navigating the financial realities of modern football.
