Dorgu scored another important goal in the Manchester derby.(Image: 2026 Visionhaus)
In November, Patrick Dorgu milled about Carrington’s second floor to fulfil a sponsorship duty. He was yards away from the press conference room, blissfully unaware that his manager had just knifed him.
“You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety,” said Amorim. The bruising quote was splashed on back pages and spread like wildfire on social media.
Amorim had explained Manchester United were conceding too many goals because his players were “really soft.” That was the standout line of the press conference until an innocuous last question about Dorgu.
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When Amorim was sacked at the beginning of the month, his ruthless comment about Dorgu was cited by United sources, who admitted that senior club figures had been unhappy with it.
Amorim’s forthright nature was brilliant for journalists, who were guaranteed a headline when he spoke, but less so for the people who mattered. The 40-year-old had a sharp tongue and was not afraid to speak his mind, which eventually led to talking himself out of a job after a final bombshell at Elland Road.
Dorgu was still among the players who wished Amorim well after his sacking was confirmed. “Thank you for everything, Mister. All the best in the future,” he posted in an Instagram story.
The message spoke volumes about Dorgu’s maturity – and there are further examples. Last season, United were awarded a penalty against Real Sociedad in the Europa League, but Dorgu tried to overturn the decision himself with the referee while it was checked by VAR because he hadn’t been fouled.
During the recent 2-2 draw against Burnley at Turf Moor, Dorgu just got on with it after being stamped on by Kyle Walker, when performing theatrics would have seen Walker sent off.
Dorgu has character and demonstrated steeliness to shake off Amorim’s criticism in November, which might have caused greater harm to 21-year-old without the same mental fortitude.
Instead of sulking, Dorgu has trained to prove Amorim wrong. A source said the Dane “does loads of extras” and credited him for working “really hard”. It’s understood there has been a focus on improving Dorgu’s crosses, with an emphasis on him perfecting his technique during training at Carrington.
United believe Dorgu’s hard work is paying off. The Denmark international knew an opportunity to regain his starting role would emerge during the Africa Cup of Nations, and he’s contributed two goals and two assists in six games, representing his hottest run of form yet since his transfer from Lecce.
Dorgu provided a brilliant assist for Matheus Cunha at Villa Park, and he built on that performance by scoring a superb volley in a gritty 1-0 victory against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Following the Newcastle victory, he spoke to reporters and was asked how he dealt with Amorim’s criticism, saying: “Of course, it’s never nice to get criticism, but you will always get it as a player. And you need to react well to it, and I think I’ve reacted well in the last couple of games.”
Dorgu added: “The manager spoke about my confidence, so I just looked inside and tried to understand what he meant. And I just tried to build myself up. My teammates help me as well.”
Bruno Fernandes, along with other members of United’s senior leadership group, spoke to Dorgu after Amorim’s press conference comment and he received support from the players he is closest to in the United dressing room – Ayden Heaven, Leny Yoro and Kobbie Mainoo.
Dorgu was naturally close with fellow Denmark international Rasmus Hojlund before his departure to Napoli. When Dorgu spoke to the Manchester Evening News in August, he admitted that he would be sad to see Hojlund leave United but said: “That’s part of the game, everyone is not secure to be here.”
Dorgu should feel more secure at Old Trafford after an encouraging month. There were growing doubts about whether he was cut out for United, but he has shown his mettle by delivering improved performances.
He has looked at home playing on the wing, which started against Newcastle when Amorim played him on the flank. Newcastle’s analysts in the press box were audibly confused at the start of the game, trying to work out where Dorgu was playing, and he popped up with the matchwinner.
Speaking during an external interview with Sky Sports that did not see the light of day due to Amorim’s exit, which took prominence, Dorgu admitted he prefers to play on the right. United knew Dorgu was versatile when they invested £25million, with a potential £4.1m in add-ons, to sign him last winter. He had made limited appearances in senior football, and part of the attraction was that he was seen as being an adaptable talent, someone who United could mould and develop.
But Dorgu’s recent performances on the wing may even surprise the data boffins who recommended his transfer from Lecce, as he has taken to the role like a duck to water.
It helps that Dorgu briefly played on the wing for Lecce, but performing in the Premier League is a different kettle of fish. He is learning on the job at one of the most scrutinised institutions in the world, and it shouldn’t be forgotten that he’s only just turned 21.
Dorgu’s goal against Manchester City was further evidence of his progress. He was picked to start in a striker-less front free by Michael Carrick, who preferred him to Cunha, and he vindicated that selection.
“I think Cunha did the hard work,” Dorgu modestly told MUTV about his goal. “I just believed in my teammate that he would put a good ball in there, and I just closed my eyes and hoped to win.”
Dorgu has gradually found his feet in Manchester, settling in the city without family joining him. Throughout the summer, staff noticed a difference in him, noting his confidence had grown after a challenging first few months at the club, in which United finished 15th in the Premier League.
“I think I learned a lot,” said Dorgu of last season. “It was a difficult and I was thrown into everything, but I feel I dealt with it good. I just try to bring a lot of confidence into this season.”
Dorgu’s confidence should receive another boost after his Manchester derby goal. He does not look very anxious any more.
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