Manchester United’s recent 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League was highlighted by a remarkable display of sportsmanship from Patrick Dorgu.
The 19-year-old defender’s actions during the match have drawn widespread praise.
In the second half, with United leading 2-1, the Danish fullback of Nigerian descent went down inside Real Sociedad’s penalty area following a challenge from Hamari Traore.
The referee promptly awarded a penalty to United. However, Dorgu approached the official, asserting that no foul had occurred. This led to the referee overturning the penalty decision without the need for a VAR review.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim expressed pride in Dorgu’s conduct.
depends. It is the right thing to do. So I am quite proud of him, but it depends. I cannot say if it is 0-0 or we are losing, if I would have the same response! So he did well.
“He did a great performance and he was improving during the game. He is learning a lot in that position. He has that physicality and he is clearly able to be able to play in our league. So it was a good game and it was a good action from Dorgu.”
The match itself saw United overturn an early deficit. Mikel Oyarzabal’s penalty gave Real Sociedad an initial lead. However, Bruno Fernandes responded with two penalties of his own, one in each half, showcasing his composure under pressure.
The situation for Real Sociedad worsened when substitute Jon Aramburu received a red card for a foul on Dorgu. Capitalizing on their numerical advantage, Fernandes completed his hat-trick, and Diogo Dalot added a late goal, sealing a 5-2 aggregate triumph for United.
This victory propels Manchester United into the Europa League quarter-finals, where they are set to face Olympique Lyonnais.
