Patrick Dorgu was in inspired form for Manchester United during their 3-2 victory away at Arsenal and his second-half strike oozed confidence
Patrick Dorgu celebrates scoring for Manchester United
Patrick Dorgu scored a screamer for Manchester United against Arsenal(Image: Getty)
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Patrick Dorgu starred for Manchester United and contributed a stunning goal as they beat Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday. And a comment made by former boss Ruben Amorim just months prior indicates the 21-year-old is now showing his stripes.
Newly-installed boss Michael Carrick has been able to get a tune out of his United side thus far during his second stint at the helm, beating rivals Manchester City 2-0 and then fearlessly dismantling Premier League leaders Arsenal 3-2 on Sunday evening.
The match was level at half-time but just a few minutes after the interval, some nice passing play between Dorgu and Bruno Fernandes paid off. The Denmark international was set up for a shot outside the box and fired a brilliant half-volley beyond David Raya in off the crossbar.
Dorgu played with extreme confidence throughout the clash and was replaced in the 81st minute after suffering a knock. But such conviction is something that former manager Amorim simply did not see in the young wide player only a few months ago.
The 21-year-old was signed by United from Lecce in February 2025 for £25million in a bid to give then-manager Amorim another option at the left-sided wing-back position.
However, he never really got going in the second half of last season and failed to score or assist in the Premier League, despite starting 10 games. He began the current campaign as a regular starter but soon dropped to the bench.
In November, Amorim addressed Dorgu's performances after a 1-0 loss to Everton, comparing his club form with a goal-scoring outing for Denmark against Scotland in a friendly weeks prior.
"I think it's the decision [making]. He needs to be calmer playing the game," admitted Amorim last November before his dismissal in January.
A select 11 words of Amorim's admission ring especially relevant as he continued: "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
Amorim's theory about Dorgu has been rubbished by the Dane(Image: Getty)
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When Bryan Mbeumo and Amad jetted off with their respective countries to the Africa Cup of Nations, Amorim began playing Dorgu further upfield more often and he has looked a completely different player.
Since United's 2-1 defeat to Aston Villa in December, Dorgu has played almost every minute of his side's next six games in an advanced position and has grabbed three goals and an assist. His team are unbeaten during this period.
Even with Amorim dismissed and Carrick installed, he has continued this rich vein of confident form, firmly putting to bed his former manager's notion that he plays with a touch of anxiety.