Manchester United have enjoyed a very successful pre-season campaign, drawing one and winning two of their three games. There have been multiple standout performers but one has especially caught the eye – Patrick Dorgu.
Dorgu’s time at United so far
Dorgu joined United during the January transfer window as the first signing of the Ruben Amorim era. Arriving from Serie A strugglers Lecce, his move was met with high expectations and plenty of buzz. A dynamic, physical and lightning-quick talent eager to take the next leap in his career, Dorgu seemed to perfectly embody the type of player INEOS are keen to bring in as part of their long-term vision.
But his arrival coincided with one of United’s worst spells in recent memory. With the team floundering on the pitch and results hard to come by, Dorgu found it difficult to fully settle or showcase his potential.
Tasked with a pivotal role in Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 setup, Dorgu was thrown straight into the demanding wing-back position. While he embraced his newfound responsibilities with determination, Dorgu never truly displayed the full breadth of his abilities.
He failed to register even a single contribution in the 19 appearances he made across the Premier League and Europa League, despite being a mainstay in the team.
Then there was the early blemish on his Old Trafford career – a red card for a challenge on Ipswich Town’s Omari Hutchinson that saw him banned for three games.
These early setbacks, compounded by United’s poor form and inconsistent displays, inevitably sparked questions about Dorgu’s suitability. Whispers grew louder over whether the club had once again been misled into signing a player who might not be up to standard, echoing a worrying trend in their recent transfer history.
It certainly didn’t help that other full-backs widely seen as ideal fits for Amorim’s system, like Rayan Ait-Nouri and Jeremie Frimpong, were overlooked, only to end up strengthening rivals Manchester City and Liverpool.
However, if there were any doubts about Dorgu, then those concerns have been firmly put to rest.
Dorgu set for breakout campaign with United
After a rocky start, Dorgu seems to be finally finding his rhythm, particularly impressing with his attacking contributions and overall physical sharpness.
Previously questioned for his lack of decisiveness in attacking areas, Dorgu has responded admirably. His displays against West Ham and Bournemouth highlighted a more refined, clinical approach in the final third. He has shown a more composed, decisive edge that suggests he could soon become indispensable to Amorim’s side.
The Bournemouth clash was perhaps his standout display yet. Dorgu was electric throughout, contributing an assist and netting his first goal for the club – a stunning finish that highlighted his growing confidence and attacking quality.
However, it’s not just the end product. It’s the constant runs he’s been making and the movement into dangerous positions, giving United a new attacking dynamic that seems incredibly promising heading into the new season.
His crossing and overall ball delivery have noticeably improved, as evidenced by the pinpoint assist for Rasmus Hojlund’s headed goal at Soldier Field.
Physical strength has always been part of Dorgu’s game, but he has taken it up a level. He bullied West Ham’s Jean-Clair Todibo with ease and did the same to his opposite number against Bournemouth, asserting his dominance.
As United look to bounce back from a difficult 2024/25 and climb up the Premier League table, Dorgu is shaping up to be a key figure in their revival. Right now, all signs suggest he’s poised to play a leading role in whatever resurgence Amorim’s side can put together.
Featured image Patrick McDermott 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!
