William Saliba didn’t hold back his admiration after coming up against Manchester United’s latest signing, Patrick Dorgu, in Arsenal’s visit to Old Trafford. The French centre-back admitted he hadn’t expected much trouble from the youngster but was left impressed by his fearless and aggressive display, even confessing that being turned inside the penalty box by the 19-year-old was a rare experience in his career.
Dorgu, the Danish-Nigerian prospect, had only just arrived at United and was immediately thrust into the starting eleven for such a high-pressure clash. Many doubted whether he was ready, but he answered those questions with a performance full of energy, pace, and determination that caught everyone’s attention.
From the opening minutes, he pressed Arsenal relentlessly, drove forward with the ball, and showed the physical strength to challenge one of the league’s strongest defensive setups. The standout moment came when he outmaneuvered Saliba inside the box and nearly found an opening, a move that shocked both the defender and the Old Trafford crowd. After the match, Saliba admitted Dorgu was far more dangerous than he had expected, praising his strength, speed, and tireless pressing.
Though United once again ended the night with a disappointing defeat, the buzz around the stadium was all about Dorgu. Supporters hailed him as a hidden gem and a spark of hope in a struggling side, while social media was flooded with clips and praise for his courage against one of Europe’s finest defenders.
For manager Ruben Amorim, Dorgu’s display was one of the few positives to take from the evening. His energy and fearlessness offered a glimpse of the kind of threat he could bring to United’s attack moving forward, and his ability to rattle a defender of Saliba’s stature will only fuel belief in his long-term value.
Arsenal may have walked away with the points, but it was Dorgu who stole much of the spotlight. If he keeps playing with this same confidence and hunger, it won’t be long before he establishes himself as one of the Premier League’s breakthrough stars. United might just have uncovered a vital piece of their future.
