Patrick Dorgu produced his best performance in a Manchester United shirt so far despite the Red Devils struggling to a dismal 2-2 draw against Everton at Goodison Park.
The Danish international, signed from Lecce for an initial £25 million in the winter window, was started at left wing-back by Ruben Amorim.
It’s a position which has caused the United head coach difficulties since he arrived in Manchester from Lisbon in November to replace Erik ten Hag.
The former Sporting CP manager has utilised his trademark 3-4-3 system throughout his entire career and has been steadfast in setting his new team up in it, even if few members of the United dressing room suit the formation.
But it’s this reason why the acquisition of Dorgu in January was so essential; as today’s game proved.
United were absolutely atrocious in the first half at Goodison Park, save for their new 20-year-old wing-back, with Everton going 2-0 up before the half-time whistle – a fully-deserved lead.
Anything positive from the Red Devils came down the left-hand side, with Dorgu linking up brilliantly with Bruno Fernandes to get in behind Everton’s defence. He was also strong defensively, demonstrating the speed and strength which made him such a prized asset in Serie A.
It was a similar story in the second-half, except Dorgu’s teammates improved to match his standard.
Two excellent strikes by Fernandes – a brilliant free-kick – and Manuel Ugarte – a beautiful volley – drew United level and it was the Red Devils pushing for a last-minute winner as a chaotic game came to an end.
Dorgu finished with 89 touches, 44/53 successful passes (83%), 4 crosses, 1 one successful dribble, 6 clearances and 2 tackles (Sofa Score). Perhaps most impressively were his 8 successful ground duels, reinforcing the physicality he brings to a side notorious for being weak and slow.
But it was the positivity the Dane displayed in a terrible first-half performance from his teammates which stands out far more than any statistic.
Old Trafford has been a Theatre of Nightmares for new signings in recent years, with positive starts quickly souring as these recruits are brought down to the level of their new team.
United fans will be hoping Dorgu’s bright start is a change in this trend with the 20-year-old believed to have an excellent attitude and strong mentality. He will need both in abundance to succeed in Manchester but his performance today in Merseyside was a promising sign of things to come.
Featured image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
