Arsenal’s defensive rock William Saliba has admitted he left Old Trafford both victorious and stunned after Arsenal’s 1-0 win over Manchester United. While the Gunners secured the points, Saliba confessed that one United player gave him a battle unlike anything he had faced before.
In his post-match reaction, the Frenchman was honest about the surprise: “I once underrated him, but the way he spun me inside the box today caught me off guard. In my entire career, I’ve rarely faced someone so aggressive and relentless.”
The player in question was Patrick Dorgu, the young Danish-Nigerian full-back recently brought into United’s starting XI. Many doubted if he was ready for such a high-profile clash, but he silenced critics with a fearless display. From kick-off, Dorgu showed no hesitation, pressing high, carrying the ball with confidence, and putting Saliba under constant pressure. His pace and strength unsettled Arsenal’s defense repeatedly, with one moment inside the area — when he turned Saliba and nearly scored — leaving the Old Trafford crowd in awe.
Saliba admitted he didn’t expect that level of intensity: “When you see his name on the team sheet, you don’t think he’ll trouble you. But on the pitch it’s a different story. He’s young, strong, quick, and doesn’t let you breathe. He really shocked me.”
Despite the defeat, United fans left the stadium talking more about Dorgu than the result. Many took to social media to hail him as a hidden gem and praised his fearlessness against one of Europe’s most respected defenders. Supporters described him as the spark the team has been missing, with excitement growing about his future.
For manager Ruben Amorim, Dorgu’s breakthrough performance was a rare bright spot in an otherwise frustrating evening. His ability to rattle Saliba — a defender often regarded as near-impenetrable — is a strong indication that United may have uncovered a rising star.
Arsenal may have secured the win, but the night belonged to Dorgu. If he continues to build on this momentum, he could quickly establish himself as one of the Premier League’s standout young talents. Even Saliba was left with no choice but to admit it: Patrick Dorgu is not to be underestimated.
