Ruben Amorim (foto: Getty Images)
Patrick Dorgu displayed remarkable honesty in Manchester United’s 4-1 Europa League victory over Real Sociedad, leading the referee to overturn a penalty decision without consulting VAR.
The 20-year-old full-back, a January signing from Lecce, impressed throughout the match and was involved in multiple key moments. However, the defining moment came when French referee Benoit Bastien awarded United a third penalty after Dorgu went down inside the area. Rather than accepting the decision, the Danish defender reportedly told the referee that it was not a foul.
Ruben Amorim praised Dorgu’s honesty but admitted the situation might have been different in a tighter match.
"It is the right thing to do. I am quite proud of him, but if it was 0-0 or we were losing, I don’t know if I would have the same response," Amorim said.
Dorgu’s influence was not limited to his fair play. He also won United’s second penalty and played a crucial role in the sending-off of Jon Aramburu early in the second half.
Despite Dorgu’s standout performance, it was Bruno Fernandes who stole the show, scoring a hat-trick to bring his tally to 15 goals this season.
"Sometimes he is frustrated because he wants to win so badly when we are not playing well," Amorim said of Fernandes. "When we need it, he is always there. He is a perfect captain for our team and we need to help him win titles because he deserves it a lot."
With the victory, Manchester United advanced to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Lyon.