A third Manchester United player has requested a change in how his name is displayed following Chido Obi’s request earlier this season.
In the world of modern football, a player’s brand has become more important than ever as they look to express themselves and make themselves as marketable as possible.
Several players, such as Cristiano Ronaldo, Lionel Messi, and Paul Pogba, have created incredibly successful brands surrounding their names and abilities, with more recent examples such as Erling Haaland changing his name from “Håland” to make his name earlier to recognise and type.
Earlier this season, news broke that Chido Obi had requested the club’s official media channels alert national media that he would like his name to be stated as “Chido Obi” rather than “Obi-Martin,” with team sheets and the official club website reflecting this.
Similarly, star forward Amad requested that the club drop his surname, Diallo, from official club communications once his new contract was announced, with United now only referring to the player as Amad across their channels.
Dorgu requests change to his name
Amid the decisions from Obi and Amad, January transfer signing Patrick Dorgu has requested that references to his name on official team sheets be changed, too.
Many fans of late have noticed that, across the club’s website and social posts, the club have been referring to the Danish international as “Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu” rather than just “Patrick Dorgu,” with some confused as to why.
According to a report from the Manchester Evening News, the change in name has come as a request from the player’s family, as it relates to their heritage and religion.
Dorgu has impressed since he signed for the club from Serie A side Lecce in January, having made six appearances so far and earning praise for his performance for Denmark against Portugal on Sunday evening.
What does “Chinazaekpere” mean?
Dorgu’s family have requested the change in name as his parents were born in Nigeria, and they want his name to reflect and honour this.
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“Chinazaekpere” roughly translates to “God answers prayers” in Igbo, which is a language spoken mainly in southeastern Nigeria, with a large diaspora community as well.
Initially, Dorgu was played as a right wing-back on his debut against Leicester City in the FA Cup, but quickly was switched to the left-hand side by Amorim.
Although he has not played in United’s last three domestic fixtures due to suspension after a red card against Ipswich Town, fans have been impressed by the player’s athleticism and abilities both as an attacking player and in defence, which is vital for a wing-back.
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