Patrick Dorgu posts brilliant reaction to wondergoal as Michael Carrick allays injury fear

The unexpected star of the Michael Carrick reign so far has been Patrick Dorgu (Picture: Getty Images)

Patrick Dorgu scored a stunning goal in Manchester United ’s 3-2 win at Arsenal on Sunday and revealed a simple mindset behind his brilliant strike.

It was a fantastic contest at the Emirates which saw Arsenal take the lead on 29 minutes through a Lisandro Martinez own goal after dominating the early stages of the match.

The Gunners then started to struggle, though, and gifted Manchester United an equaliser as Martin Zubimendi misplaced a pass and put Bryan Mbeumo through on goal.

Dorgu then produced his immense hit on 50 minutes, putting the visitors ahead in some style.

Mikel Merino got an equaliser for Arsenal late in the game, but Matheus Cunha scored the winner on 87 minutes, with another fine strike, finding the bottom corner from range.

Dorgu’s will likely be remembered as the goal of the game, though, as he hammered in a volley from outside the box after exchanging passes with Bruno Fernandes.

Posting alongside pictures of himself celebrating the goal, he wrote on social media: ‘In that position I just have to smash it ❤️😅’

‘In that position I just have to smash it” ❤️😅 pic.twitter.com/4xEyMj5pul — Patrick Chinaza Dorgu (@PatrickDorgu13) January 25, 2026

Dorgu has been pushed further forward under interim manager Michael Carrick, playing on the left wing in his 4-2-3-1 set-up and it has been extremely successful.

The Denmark international scored in the 2-0 win over Manchester City and has now scored in back-to-back wins, which have started Carrick’s reign in perfect fashion.

The 21-year-old has kept Cunha out of the starting XI so far under Carrick, but the Brazilian has also shone from the bench.

Patrick Dorgu, that is SENSATIONAL! 🤩 pic.twitter.com/3iQZrGVjQ4 — Sky Sports Premier League (@SkySportsPL) January 25, 2026

Dorgu came off on 81 minutes with what looked like it could be a hamstring injury, but Carrick says he is hopeful it was just cramp.

‘He came off with hopefully a little bit of cramp, but hopefully it’s nothing worse,’ said the Red Devils boss.

‘He ended up coming off but I think it just shows what he put in with his performance. But yeah absolutely delighted for him, just hope he’s not too bad.’

Asked whether he was sure it wasn’t a hamstring issue, he said: ‘At this stage it’s hard to tell. We’ll just have to wait and see but for sure we’re hoping that it’s not too bad.’

Michael Carrick has started brilliantly as Manchester United’s interim boss (Picture: Getty Images)

Carrick hailed the impact of the Dane, both going forward and his work defensively for the team.

‘Pat’s been a big player for us in the last couple of games in so many ways,’ Carrick said. ‘Attacking-wise, obviously he’s scored two goals but I think in terms of the threat and his athleticism and his quality coming in as well, the connections.

‘Defensively he’s been immense as well, down the side with Luke and doubling up against two teams that ask a lot down the sides.

@metrosportuk Are Man United BACK?! 💥 Manchester United beat Arsenal 3-2 in the Premier League after two unbelievable goals from Patrick Dorgu and Matheus Cunha, and a rare poor performance from the Gunners at the Emirates. #manchesterunited #arsenal #matchreaction #dorgu #carrick ♬ original sound - Metro Sport

Gabriel Jesus was found wanting for the most part at the Emirates (Picture: Getty)

Martin Zubimendi gifted United their equaliser (Picture: Getty)

Arsenal opened the scoring thanks to Martinez's own goal (Picture: Getty)

Mbeumo has shone since returning from AFCON (Picture: Getty)

Dorgu send the away end into raptures with a thunderous effort in the 50th minute (Picture: Getty)