William Saliba heaped praise on Manchester United’s latest signing, Patrick Dorgu, after facing him at Old Trafford.
The Arsenal defender admitted he had underestimated the young left-back, who stunned him with his aggression and confidence, even turning Saliba inside the 16-yard box in a way rarely experienced in his career.
Dorgu, the Danish-Nigerian talent, was thrown straight into United’s starting XI for such a high-pressure clash. Many doubted he was ready, but he proved his worth with a fearless, energetic, and determined display.
From the first whistle, Dorgu pressed high, carried the ball decisively, and used his pace and strength to trouble one of the Premier League’s strongest defenses.
One standout moment saw him spin Saliba inside the penalty area, nearly getting a shot off, which drew audible gasps from the crowd. Saliba admitted afterward: “He’s not the type of player you expect to cause problems when you see his name on the team sheet, but on the pitch, it was very different. He’s young, strong, quick, and never stops pressing. Honestly, he surprised me.”
Despite United losing again, fans left buzzing about Dorgu’s performance, hailing him as a future star willing to take on top-level defenders without fear. Social media erupted with praise, calling him “a hidden gem” and “the spark this team desperately needs.”
For Ruben Amorim, Dorgu’s display was a rare positive in a frustrating match. While United struggled to create chances, his energy and drive offered a glimpse of the talent he could bring to the squad long-term. His ability to unsettle one of Europe’s top defenders suggests he could play a key role in revitalizing United’s attack.
Although Arsenal claimed the three points, Dorgu captured the post-match headlines. If he maintains this level of confidence and aggression, he could become one of the Premier League’s breakout stars this season. United may have found a highly valuable asset for the future.