Gary Neville discussed Manchester United's Premier League win over Arsenal and highlighted two players who particularly impressed him in that game.
Gary Neville in front of a TV camera.
Gary Neville has singled out Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot for praise.(Image: )
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Gary Neville named Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot for special praise after Sunday's 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates. Dorgu's spectacular strike even prompted a message from Jamie Redknapp, while Dalot - frequently a target for criticism in the past - earned recognition for a much-improved display.
Speaking on his 'The Gary Neville podcast', Neville said of Dorgu: "Look, I mean, to be fair, I just thought, you can't really say anything bad about him because he's a willing runner. He's always worked hard under Ruben Amorim but you thought, what is he? How is he going to get Manchester United back to where they need to be?
"I think actually, the first time we saw a glimpse of what Patrick Dorgu could be was actually under Ruben Amorim, when he played him as a wide right and I can't remember the game now because I watched that many games with them, it might have been Newcastle, may have been Newcastle, may have been Bournemouth - one of those two I think.
"Oh, playing a bit higher up with a full-back behind him, getting supported, he can play a little bit. He can actually be a good wide player, who can do a bit and cause problems for defending and getting crosses in.
"And then you just think, I think the week after, he put him back to wing back, I thought; 'Oh no'.
"I think where he's been used now, he's obviously a winger. I mean today, his goal was absolutely brilliant."
Neville then went on to reveal the message he received from one-time Liverpool midfielder Jamie Redknapp after Dorgu's goal. "He's actually just text me and I should have seen it during the game, and he said it was like Yeboah's goal - the one that comes off the bar and sort of and he's right, it was a brilliant," Neville continued.
"Dorgu absolutely does, I think, typify what's happened in the last week."
Meanwhile, Dalot operated as a more traditional full‑back rather than his previous wing-back role, and delivered a solid performance. His inconsistent form at Old Trafford has led some to call for him to be replaced, but Neville has argued it would be a mistake to sell a player Jose Mourinho originally brought to the club.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot celebrate.
Patrick Dorgu and Diogo Dalot were praised for their performances against Arsenal.(Image: Getty Images)
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"But another player I want to mention actually, is [Diogo] Dalot," Neville said. "Look, he gets a really harsh view at times from quite a few United fans, I actually think there's half a decent full-back so closely, I think at times maybe, he gets too involved, but I think he's good in the air, I think he's got a good athleticism about him.
"He's decent on the ball, I don't think he's a world-class full-back, neither was I but I think he does a lot of things. I think if he simplified his game a little bit, [just] feed people.
"He made a great header at the end against Gabriel where he flicked it on, he can defend his back post if he wants to. He starts to be more aggressive in getting out to players and then getting back in."
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