Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
Patrick Dorgu answered the call at left-back and more than exceeded expectation.
In the lead up to Manchester United’s fixture against Sabah, Luke Shaw was notably absent. He was given a designated rest day after suffering cramp against Everton.
Michael Carrick selected Patrick Dorgu in Shaw’s place, ending the Dane’s stint as a left winger.
Carrick had stated in last week’s press conference that he regarded Dorgu as left-back cover, answering queries about United’s failure to sign a player at the deadline.
This Champions League fixture against Sabah was a chance for Dorgu to demonstrate his suitability for the position, and he passed with flying colours.
Manchester United's Belgian goalkeeper #01 Senne Lammens, Manchester United's Moroccan defender #03 Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United's Slovenian striker #30 Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's French defender #15 Leny Yoro, Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo (front row from L to R) Manchester United's Brazilian striker #10 Matheus Cunha, Manchester United's Cameroonian midfielder #19 Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United's Belgian midfielder #18 Youri Tielemans, Manchester United's Argentinian defender #06 Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United's Danish defender #13 Patrick Dorgu and Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes poses for a team photo before the UEFA Champions League football match between Manchester United and Sabah FK at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 10, 2026.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Manchester United v Sabah FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Photo by Michael Regan – UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Patrick Dorgu praised by Dion Dublin
Patrick Dorgu was named as the UEFA man of the match for his display against Sabah, with United winning 4-0.
The Dane provided the assist for the first goal and created two more chances, while keeping his passing clean with 37 of 38 attempts complete.
Speaking on MUTV, pundit Dion Dublin was asked for his opinion on Dorgu and he felt the former Lecce player did a good job.
Dublin did not realise that Dorgu had been picked out for the UEFA recognition, feeling that he had actually flown under the radar.
The ex-striker said: “He was just just lively. Making sure that he did his defensive duties at the same time. He got forward, kept it well.
“I think when you keep it simple, you you’re not noticed. You don’t really want to be noticed. When you go through the game and nobody notices, you’ve done well. You’ve just done your job, and I think Dorgu did well tonight.
“The defensive side of his game has got better because I think Michael Carrick has said, “Right, listen, we know how good you are going forward. Just stop the ball going in the box. Make sure the right winger has no fun at all.”
Asked whether Dorgu could be a more regular selection at left-back, he responded: “Definitely.”
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Patrick Dorgu pleased to make impact
Patrick Dorgu spoke to TNT Sports after the game and expressed delight at helping United to all three points.
He said: “I’m really happy with my performance, and happy that the team got three points, and we’re up and running in the Champions League.
“The last couple of games we have conceded a lot of goals, so it’s good to get some confidence going into the derby on the weekend.”