Arsenal’s defensive rock, William Saliba, left Old Trafford with mixed emotions after his side’s narrow 1-0 triumph over Manchester United. The result was a huge boost for the Gunners in their Premier League title charge, yet for Saliba, the evening was more than just about three points.
The Frenchman admitted he had faced one of the toughest personal duels of his career—an experience that left him both surprised and impressed.
Speaking in his post-match reflections, Saliba—normally unflappable and brimming with composure—was strikingly honest about the unexpected battle. “I’ll admit, I underestimated him,” Saliba confessed.
“When I saw his name in the starting lineup, I didn’t think much of it. But the way he turned me inside the box today completely caught me out. I’ve faced some of the world’s best strikers in Europe, but very few have come at me with that kind of aggression, relentlessness, and determination.”
The player he was referring to was Patrick Dorgu, Manchester United’s young Danish-Nigerian full-back, who was handed a shock start in such a high-profile fixture.
Many fans and pundits questioned the decision before kick-off, wondering if an inexperienced player was ready for the pressure of such a massive occasion. But from the first whistle, Dorgu silenced those doubts in stunning fashion.
The youngster showcased courage, energy, and maturity well beyond his years. He pressed high with intensity, carried the ball forward confidently, and never hesitated to challenge Arsenal’s backline physically. His blistering pace and powerful runs forced Saliba and his partner to constantly stay alert.
The highlight of his performance came inside Arsenal’s box, when he spun Saliba with a sharp move and nearly scored—leaving the Old Trafford crowd gasping in awe. For one brief moment, the usually untouchable Saliba was left second-best.
Reflecting on that moment, Saliba admitted: “He surprised me completely. You look at him as a young player, maybe not so experienced, and you assume he won’t trouble you. But once you’re up against him, it’s a completely different story.
He’s strong, quick, and refuses to give you a moment’s rest. Just when you think you’ve figured him out, he finds another way to challenge you. That’s very rare at this level.”
Although United came away with nothing from the match, the buzz around Old Trafford after the final whistle wasn’t about the result—it was about Dorgu. Fans took to social media praising his fearless display, describing him as a “hidden gem” and exactly the type of energy United have been missing.
Manager Ruben Amorim, though frustrated with the defeat, singled out Dorgu’s resilience as a major positive. Seeing a teenager hold his own against one of the league’s finest defenders offered hope for the future.
Saliba’s frank admission only underlined the impression Dorgu left—that Manchester United may have unearthed a rising star who could soon become a key figure for the club.
