Former Manchester United defender Gary Neville has voiced his astonishment at the remarkable transformation of Patrick Dorgu, describing the player as looking 'average' under previous manager Ruben Amorim before flourishing under current caretaker boss Michael Carrick.
From Struggling Signing to Match-Winning Hero
Dorgu arrived at Old Trafford in a £25 million transfer sanctioned by Amorim at the beginning of 2025, but initially failed to impress in the Portuguese manager's favoured wing-back system. The young player even faced criticism from his own manager, who suggested he appeared 'anxious' on the ball during his early United appearances.
Since Carrick's appointment following Amorim's dismissal, Dorgu has been deployed in a more advanced attacking position with spectacular results. Where he managed just a single goal under Amorim's management, Dorgu has now scored twice in two consecutive matches under Carrick's guidance.
Neville's Stunned Reaction to Dorgu's Resurgence
Speaking on Sky Sports, Neville expressed his amazement at the player's dramatic improvement: 'Patrick Dorgu looked like such an average wing-back under Ruben Amorim. Further forward he looks like a completely and utterly different player. It's an unbelievable goal, a goal of a lifetime. What a hit, it's a beauty.'
The former United captain elaborated further on his podcast, noting: 'Look, to be fair I just thought he was a bit... at left wing-back. You can't really say anything bad about him because he's a willing runner, he always wanted the ball and worked hard under Ruben Amorim. But you thought, what is he? And how is he going to get Manchester United back to where they need to be?'
Neville highlighted that Dorgu's potential first became apparent during a brief period under Amorim when he was deployed in a wide right position, suggesting the player's natural abilities were being constrained by his previous tactical role.
Match-Winning Contributions Against Top Opposition
Dorgu's resurgence has coincided with Manchester United's most impressive results of the season. The winger scored in United's crucial Manchester derby victory before following up with another spectacular strike in Sunday's 3-2 win against league leaders Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
Neville described Dorgu's stunning long-range effort against Arsenal goalkeeper David Raya as 'absolutely brilliant' and suggested the player's transformation 'typifies' United's immediate progress under Carrick's temporary leadership.
Carrick's Delight and Injury Concern
United's caretaker manager Michael Carrick, who has only been in charge for thirteen days, expressed his delight with Dorgu's contribution while providing an update on the player's late withdrawal against Arsenal.
'Pat's been a big player for us,' Carrick stated. 'Obviously he's scored two goals but in terms of the threat and athleticism and quality, he's been immense down the side with Luke [Shaw] against two teams that ask a lot of questions. I am delighted for him because the two goals he's scored are very different goals. It's nice to see him smiling and happy.'
Regarding Dorgu's injury concern, Carrick added: 'He obviously came off with, hopefully, a little bit of cramp, hopefully, it's nothing worse. At this stage, it's hard to tell, so we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully it's not too bad.'
Champions League Aspirations Revived
United's consecutive victories against Manchester City and Arsenal have propelled the team back into the Premier League's top four, surpassing both Liverpool and Chelsea in the race for Champions League qualification. Dorgu's dramatic improvement has been central to this resurgence, providing the attacking threat that was conspicuously absent during his initial struggles at Old Trafford.
The transformation represents a remarkable turnaround for a player who appeared destined for disappointment at United, now emerging as a key figure in their push for European football next season under Carrick's innovative tactical approach.
