Patrick Dorgu has been in sensational form for Manchester United, scoring a stunning goal against Arsenal and producing brilliant efforts out wide under Michael Carrick
Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United celebrates his team's 2nd goal during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium
Patrick Dorgu was one of the stars of the show as Manchester United beat Arsenal(Image: Getty)
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Patrick Dorgu delivered a masterclass for Manchester United and netted a spectacular goal as they triumphed 3-2 over Arsenal on Sunday. A remark from former manager Ruben Amorim just months earlier suggests the 21-year-old is finally displaying his true potential.
New boss Michael Carrick has managed to extract the best from his United squad during his second tenure in charge, securing a 2-0 victory against rivals Manchester City before boldly dismantling Premier League frontrunners Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday night.
The encounter was level at the break, but moments into the second half, some slick interplay between Dorgu and Bruno Fernandes bore fruit. The Danish ace was teed up for a strike from outside the penalty area and unleashed a superb half-volley that flew past David Raya via the crossbar.
Dorgu exhibited remarkable confidence throughout the encounter before being withdrawn in the 81st minute following an injury. Yet such self-assurance is precisely what former boss Amorim failed to witness in the youngster just months earlier.
The 21-year-old was acquired by United from Lecce in February 2025 for £25million in an attempt to provide then-boss Amorim with another alternative at the left wing-back role.
However, he struggled to find his rhythm during the latter half of last season and failed to register a goal or assist in the Premier League, despite featuring from the start in 10 matches. He kicked off the current campaign as a regular in the starting XI but quickly found himself relegated to the substitutes' bench.
In November, Amorim discussed Dorgu's displays following a 1-0 defeat to Everton, drawing comparisons between his club performances and a goal-scoring appearance for Denmark against Scotland in a friendly weeks earlier.
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu of Manchester United celebrates scoring a goal to make the score 1-2 during the Premier League match between Arsenal and Manchester United at Emirates Stadium
The Dane scored United's second goal with a brilliant half-volley(Image: Getty)
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"I think it's the decision [making]. He needs to be calmer playing the game," Amorim acknowledged last November prior to his sacking in January.
A particular 11 words from Amorim's assessment carry special significance as he went on: "You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball.
"I can feel the anxiety. You remember the shot against Everton. That was easier than the decision he had to make against the guys [for Denmark] from Scotland. He made a great decision, and I saw it when he played in Italy. But here is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve."
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu of Manchester United speaks during the UEFA 2024/25 Round of 16 training and press conference at Carrington
Dorgu has proved Amorim's claim wrong(Image: Getty)
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When Bryan Mbeumo and Amad departed to represent their nations at the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim started deploying Dorgu in more attacking positions and he has appeared a transformed player.
Following United's 2-1 loss to Aston Villa in December, Dorgu has featured in virtually every minute of his side's subsequent six fixtures in an advanced role and has contributed three goals and an assist. His team remain undefeated throughout this spell.
Even following Amorim's sacking and Carrick's appointment, he has maintained this impressive run of assured performances, comprehensively dispelling his previous manager's suggestion that he plays with a degree of nervousness.
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