William Saliba didn’t hold back in his praise after coming up against Manchester United’s latest signing, Patrick Dorgu, during Arsenal’s recent match at Old Trafford.
The French center-back confessed that he had underestimated the young left-back but was taken aback by Dorgu’s fearless and aggressive play—highlighted by a moment inside the box where Dorgu turned him in a way he rarely experiences.
Dorgu, a promising Danish-Nigerian player, was given a surprise start in this high-profile fixture shortly after joining United. While many questioned whether he was ready for such a big stage, he proved the doubters wrong with a performance full of energy, bravery, and purpose.
Right from kickoff, Dorgu pressed high, drove forward with intent, and used his speed and physicality to challenge one of the league’s most respected backlines.
A standout moment came when Dorgu twisted past Saliba in the penalty area, nearly creating a goal-scoring opportunity. That play was a turning point for Saliba, who acknowledged after the game that Dorgu had caught him off guard. “He’s not someone you expect to cause trouble when you see his name on the team sheet, but on the pitch, he was relentless—fast, strong, and always pressing. He really surprised me,” Saliba said.
Even though Manchester United endured another tough loss, Dorgu’s display was the major talking point among fans as they left the stadium.
Supporters praised his fearless attitude and potential, calling him “a hidden gem” and “the spark the team needs.” Social media buzzed with excitement over the young defender’s fearless performance against top opposition.
For United manager Ruben Amorim, Dorgu’s outing was one of the rare bright spots in an otherwise underwhelming night. While United struggled to create clear chances overall, Dorgu’s drive and tenacity provided a glimpse of what he could offer in the long term.
His ability to trouble a defender as elite as Saliba suggests he could play a key role in United’s attacking rebuild.
Although Arsenal secured the win, Dorgu stole much of the post-match spotlight. If he continues to play with such boldness and maturity, he could easily emerge as one of this season’s breakout stars. His fearless debut against Arsenal might just be the start of something special for Manchester United.
