Blogs

Patrick Dorgu: The Second Coming Of Gareth Bale?

Stories

A Random But Brilliant Change

Patrick Dorgu was in the headlines again as his absolute screamer spurred Manchester United on to beat Arsenal 3-2 at the Emirates.

In his short stint back at the club, interim manager Michael Carrick seems to be getting the best out of his players, and their confidence is at the highest it has been this season.

One player in particular that seems to have reacted to the managerial change with the most spirit is Dorgu, who has now scored in consecutive games for the first time in his career. This is something that Dorgu himself probably didn't expect at the start of the season, coming in as a left back from Lecce.

However, a recent change in position has had Dorgu playing on the left wing. It is giving us flashbacks of when Gareth Bale suddenly changed from a left back to a right winger, and he completely set the world alight. Dorgu could be following in the Welshman's footsteps.

Patrick Dorgu, that is SENSATIONAL! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/3iQZrGVjQ4
— Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2026

How Did The Change Come About?

Contrary to belief, it wasn't actually Michael Carrick that started the Dorgu on the wing experiment.

In his last dying weeks at the club, Ruben Amorim made a bold decision to play Dorgu in a more advanced role for a couple of games, taking up the number 10 position that Amad Diallo, Matheus Cunha, and Mason Mount tend to play.

Amorim then decided to play Dorgu on either wing, a change that boosted not only Dorgu's output but also the team's performances. It wasn't enough to keep Amorim in the job.

Carrick respected the change by Amorim and has played Dorgu on the left wing in his first two games in charge. Dorgu has repaid that faith with two brilliant performances against two top sides who are defensively well organised. He had a tough start to life in the Premier League, finding himself on the bench on numerous occasions, yet it seems a move to left wing unlocked a new version of Dorgu.

It has us wondering who decided Dorgu was a left back in the first place?

Young With Lots Of Potential

Dorgu is only 21 years old and came into the league as a rather unknown prospect. Signing from Serie A club Lecce for £25 million, United fans didn't know what to expect from the Dutchman.

Like most new faces to the league, Dorgu struggled at first with the physicality and intensity.

Those worries seem to have quickly diminished, and he is coming into his own. His most impressive trait is his ball-carrying ability and eagerness to drive with the ball. This was good for managers who like an advanced fullback, but even better for wingers. His athleticism and power bode well with the directness he tends to play with, which is brilliant to get United up the pitch when they are under pressure.

He is no stranger to scoring a banger either, as most of the goals he chips in with are verified worldies. It's just more and more reminders of Gareth Bale.

His defensive limits often cost him the left-back spot behind Luke Shaw, so it is good to see him back on the team sheet and banging the goals away.

It's very easy to get carried away, but Dorgu has proved how adaptability is such an important trait to have and why more managers should experiment with players in different positions.