A shift to a new position under Michael Carrick as a hard-running winger has transformed the player
In the 50th minute at the Emirates Patrick Dorgu combined deliciously with Bruno Fernandes and then unleashed a cannonball that pinged the underside of David Raya’s crossbar and nestled into the corner of the net.
The sweet passing sequence before the goal, the control with the knee and hips, the half-volley to send it crashing in off the bar, these all combine to epitomise the level at which Dorgu is current performing.
And this from a player who Ruben Amorim said only about a month ago was too anxious on the ball, and supporters characterised him as another example of the failed pattern of recruitment at Old Trafford.
The Dane joined United from Lecce in February 2025 for £25m, signed to be a left wingback in Amorim’s much-maligned 3-4-3 system. He showed brief flashes of potential but his game left a lot to be desired.
Somewhat reliable in defensive duties, going forward his crosses were wayward and the opposition was always confident enough to leave him in acres of space, in the knowledge that there was little end product.
But a shift to a new position under Michael Carrick as a hard-running winger has transformed the player, scalps of the top two teams in the Premier League the starting pieces of his collection as he begins to show the level he could reach.
After United overpowered Arsenal at their own ground, ex-Spurs midfielder Jamie O’Hara said of the Dane’s performance: “Dorgu is top drawer whenever I’ve watched him play, reminds me a bit of Bale at the start at Spurs.”
Gareth Bale started out as a left-back at Tottenham, before being converted to a left winger due to his abilities going forward.
United legend Patrice Evra cooed on X, in front of a video of himself watching the game: “What are you doing to me bro!!”
What are you doing to me bro!! @PatrickDorgu13 pic.twitter.com/RJlw2dcNhv
— Patrice Evra (@Evra) January 25, 2026
Dorgu posted in response: “Learned from the best. I’ve seen your goal against Bayern”, in reference to Evra’s sensational strike in the Champions League in 2014.
The winger was taken off in the second half at the Emirates holding the back of his knee, although Carrick seemed to allay fears that it could be a hamstring injury.
“He came off with hopefully a little bit of cramp, nothing worse,” Carrick said. “It just shows what he has put into the performance. Absolutely delighted for him, hopefully it is not too bad.”
