Manchester United came back from a goal down to beat Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City 2-1 in the fourth round of the FA Cup.
United went 1-0 down just before the break thanks to Bobby Decordova-Reid’s close-range header.
The Red Devils were second best for large parts of the match but the half-time introduction of Alejandro Garnacho slightly tipped things in their favour.
Garnacho embarked on a driving run before delivering a cross into the box that was tapped into the back of an open goal by Joshua Zirkzee.
It seemed like the game was set to head into extra time but Harry Maguire produced a last-gasp header to drag a hugely underwhelming United into the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Several United players didn’t perform to the level expected of them but one who did was Patrick Dorgu. All eyes were on the January signing after he was named in the starting XI by Ruben Amorim.
Many would have expected Dorgu to play at left-wing-back but Amorim deployed him on the opposite flank. However, Dorgu didn’t disappoint.
During the 45 minutes he was on the pitch before being taken off at the break, Dorgu won 100% of his aerial duels.
He managed an 82% pass accuracy and touched the ball 47 times. He contributed seven defensive actions. He made two interceptions and won as many fouls.
The 20-year-old completed one take-on and aimed a shot at the Leicester goal, although he did not hit the target.
Patrick Dorgu’s Manchester United debut by numbers:
100% aerial duels won
82% pass accuracy
47 total touches
7 defensive actions
2 fouls committed
2 interceptions
2 fouls won
1 take-on
1 shotMan Utd’s biggest contributor. 🤷♂️ pic.twitter.com/34nQg48O8Q
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 7, 2025
In the first half, Dorgu won more duels than any other player on either team.
Patrick Dorgu won more duels (6) than any other player on the pitch in his first 45 minutes as a Manchester United player.
A bright start from him. 👏 pic.twitter.com/bp8BOTq71i
— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) February 7, 2025
He combined effectively with Amad, showing glimpses of a partnership that could evolve into a formidable duo. United are back in action on Sunday, February 16 when they travel to North London to face Tottenham Hotspur.
Featured image Michael Regan via Getty Images
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Derick Kinoti
Derick Kinoti is a football writer at The Peoples Person who has covered Manchester United and the game extensively for many years. He is a keen analyst with expertise in SEO and journalism standards. Derick is convinced Wayne Rooney is the true GOAT and won’t hear otherwise!
