In a game filled with drama and decisive moments, Manchester United secured a commanding 4-1 victory over Real Sociedad in the Europa League on Thursday. Yet, beyond the goals and penalties, it was a moment of pure sportsmanship that stood out.
Patrick Dorgu, United’s young full-back, demonstrated remarkable integrity when he admitted to the referee that he had not been fouled after being awarded a penalty. French official Benoit Bastien, without even consulting VAR, reversed his decision—a rare sight in modern football.
United boss Rúben Amorim acknowledged the gesture but admitted the reality of the situation made it difficult to judge.
“It depends,” Amorim said when asked if he completely supported Dorgu’s honesty. “It’s the right thing to do, and I’m really proud of him. But if we were losing or it was 0-0, I don’t know if I’d feel the same way.”
Dorgu, who arrived from Lecce in January as the only new recruit under Amorim, proved his worth in more ways than one. The 20-year-old was a livewire down the left flank, winning a penalty earlier in the game and drawing the foul that led to Sociedad’s Jon Aramburu seeing red.
“He had a fantastic game,” Amorim said. “He’s learning, improving, and giving us more options in that position.”
Despite Dorgu’s standout performance, the night belonged to Bruno Fernandes. The United skipper bagged a hat-trick, taking his season tally to 15 goals, before Diogo Dalot wrapped up the scoring in stoppage time.
Amorim praised Fernandes’ leadership but also pointed out his restless desire to be involved in every moment of play.
“Sometimes he gets frustrated because he wants to win so badly,” Amorim noted. “He moves around a lot, dropping into different positions, but sometimes he needs to trust his teammates more.
“Still, when we need him, he’s always there. He’s the perfect captain for this team, and we have to help him win trophies—because he truly deserves it.”
With the win, United march on to the Europa League quarter-finals, where they will face Lyon in what promises to be another thrilling European encounter.
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