Brighton captain Danny Welbeck names the one Manchester United player who truly impressed him

Manchester United’s loss to Brighton added another painful chapter to an already difficult season, yet amid the frustration, an unexpected positive emerged — and it came from an unlikely source. One United player walked away with genuine admiration from the opposition, and not just from anyone, but from a former Red Devil who knows the club inside out.

Brighton captain Danny Welbeck revealed after the match that Patrick Dorgu was the Manchester United player who caught his eye the most, praising the young defender’s intensity and describing him as “dangerously aggressive.” Welbeck even suggested Dorgu was unfortunate not to cap his performance with a goal, a comment that has since sparked plenty of discussion.

What made the praise stand out was the fact that it ignored United’s more established stars and instead focused on a player still carving out his place at Old Trafford. For Welbeck, this was no routine compliment. He admitted that in years of facing Manchester United, Dorgu’s display felt different from what he had grown accustomed to seeing.

Reflecting on the game, Welbeck acknowledged Brighton’s victory but was candid about who troubled them most. He explained that Dorgu brought a level of aggression and drive that stood out immediately, adding that on another night, the defender could easily have ended up on the scoresheet.

Given Welbeck’s long history in the Premier League and his familiarity with United from both sides of the divide, his words carried real weight. Having played against the club countless times since leaving, he is well placed to judge when a player offers something unusual or uncomfortable for opponents, and Dorgu clearly did just that.

While much of the post-match focus centred on United’s defensive lapses and attacking inefficiency, Dorgu’s performance offered a contrast. He played with confidence, pushed forward whenever possible and imposed himself physically, injecting urgency into a side that too often looked passive. His direct runs and willingness to engage defenders gave Brighton problems, and he came close on more than one occasion, including a powerful effort from inside the area that narrowly missed its target.

That near-miss lingered in Welbeck’s mind, reinforcing the feeling that Dorgu’s display deserved more than it got. The Brighton captain’s assessment suggested that fine margins were all that separated the youngster from a defining moment.

Equally striking was the absence of another name from Welbeck’s comments. Benjamin Šeško, widely regarded as United’s main attacking threat, was overlooked, with Dorgu instead identified as the player who posed the greater challenge. That omission has not gone unnoticed among supporters, many of whom are now questioning where United’s most impactful contributions are really coming from.

As one fan put it online, when an opposing captain singles out a defender rather than the striker, it says plenty about the dynamics of the match and the current state of the team.

At a time when Manchester United are frequently criticised for lacking intensity and a clear identity, Dorgu’s performance has been seen as a rare reminder of qualities the club once embodied. His aggression, bravery and willingness to take responsibility resonated with fans desperate to see players fight for the badge, even when the result goes against them.

Behind the scenes, there was reportedly quiet encouragement from the coaching staff. Those close to the team noted that Dorgu never went into his shell despite the pressure, constantly demanding the ball and trying to force something to happen on a difficult night.

Welbeck’s praise also carried a personal dimension. As a graduate of United’s academy, he understands the expectations and scrutiny that come with representing the club. For him to publicly commend Dorgu suggested genuine respect rather than courtesy.

That sentiment was echoed by former players, one of whom remarked that when opponents notice your performance in that way, it usually means you have made a real impact.

Unsurprisingly, fans seized on Welbeck’s comments as a rare source of optimism. Social media quickly filled with messages applauding Dorgu’s fight and calling for more players with a similar mindset.

Many now believe he deserves a longer run in the side, particularly as United search for individuals willing to shoulder responsibility in high-pressure situations.

One standout display does not define a career, but moments like this can shift perceptions. Thanks to Welbeck’s words, Patrick Dorgu’s showing against Brighton will not fade quietly into the background. Whether it leads to more opportunities or a bigger role remains uncertain, but one thing is clear — opposition players are starting to take notice, and for a club craving character and consistency, that alone feels like progress.