Patrick Dorgu has made his feelings clear after Rasmus Højlund’s summer exit and the Manchester United defender has made a strong statement.
After a challenging campaign, many expected Rasmus Højlund to remain at Manchester United as a backup option to a new striker, but Ruben Amorim appeared to prefer Joshua Zirkzee in that role.
As Benjamin Šeško’s arrival drew closer, Højlund lost his place in the starting XI, with Matheus Cunha established as the centre forward. In United’s final pre-season clash with Fiorentina, the Dane was named on the bench but did not feature at all.
Højlund stayed at Old Trafford a little longer, but on Deadline Day he sealed a move to Napoli on an initial loan deal with an option to buy. The transfer could become permanent if certain clauses are triggered.
Although many — including members of United’s staff — felt he was treated harshly, the former Atalanta striker now has the chance to revive his career in Serie A.
Dorgu makes United feelings clear after Højlund’s exit
Patrick Dorgu joined United last January and was welcomed into the team by Højlund, who he knew from his time in Denmark with the national team.
The defender is now the last remaining Dane at Old Trafford after Christian Eriksen also left the club at the end of his contract earlier this summer.
“That’s how it is in football,” Dorgu said when speaking about Højlund’s departure to Ekstra Bladet. “You never know when it’s your turn to move on.
“We knew it would happen to Christian, but it was perhaps a bigger shock that Rasmus had to move on. I talked to him a lot during the process and could sense which way it was going.
“Hopefully, we will now see each other every time on the national team.”
Both players are in the Denmark squad for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Scotland and Greece over the next week.
Dorgu makes strong statement
Despite losing two of his closest friends in the United dressing room, Dorgu has strongly claimed that he made his decision to join United independently and that he is ‘incredibly strong mentally’.
“I have been very happy to be teammates with Christian and Rasmus. It was a big plus for me that they were at the club when I joined. That way it was easier to become part of the squad,” he continued.
“But it was in no way decisive for my choice of Manchester United. I was thinking much more about the coach’s plans and ideas with me when I had to make the decision.
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“I travelled alone to Italy when I was 17. I am also alone in Manchester and I am fine that way. You become incredibly strong mentally when you travel alone so early, because you have to make a lot of decisions. I am sure that mental strength has also helped me on the pitch.”
Dorgu has made positive strides since his arrival in England and many are hoping that he can take the next step this season as a consistent starter.
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