Manchester United’s 4-1 triumph over Real Sociedad in the Europa League last-16 second leg wasn’t just about goals—it was also a night of sportsmanship and redemption.
Young Danish wing-back Patrick Dorgu made headlines for his honest play, urging the referee to overturn a penalty decision that had initially gone in United’s favor. His gesture earned praise from manager Ruben Amorim, who commended his integrity but admitted things might have been different in a tighter contest.
Dorgu’s Class Act: A Rare Sight in Modern Football
Dorgu won an early penalty after being fouled by Aritz Elustondo, but later, when another challenge from Hamara Traore seemed to earn him a second spot-kick, the 19-year-old quickly signaled to the referee that the Sociedad player had actually won the ball. The referee, Benoit Bastien, promptly reversed the decision, sparking widespread admiration.
“It is the right thing to do, so I am quite proud of him,” Amorim said in his post-match interview. “But I cannot say if it was 0-0 or if we were losing, I would have had the same response.”
It was a remarkable turnaround for Dorgu, who had struggled in his last Old Trafford outing against Ipswich, where he made a costly mistake leading to a goal and was later sent off. Against Sociedad, however, he was one of United’s standout players, bombing forward with intent and drawing crucial fouls—including the challenge that saw Jon Aramburu sent off.
“He did well, he had a great performance. He is learning a lot in that position. He has the physicality,” Amorim added.
Sociedad Boss Furious Over Refereeing Decisions
While United celebrated a convincing win and a spot in the quarter-finals, Real Sociedad manager Imanol Alguacil didn’t hold back in criticizing the referee’s performance.
Bastien awarded two penalties to United, including the one Dorgu turned down, and sent off Jon Aramburu. Sociedad did receive a penalty of their own—only after a VAR check confirmed that Matthijs de Ligt had fouled Mikel Oyarzabal.
“We would have liked to have had a neutral referee,” Alguacil fumed. “We did not deserve a refereeing display like this—neither did this tie, neither did this stadium.”
What’s Next for United?
With a Europa League quarter-final clash against Lyon now set, United will turn their focus back to the Premier League, where they face Leicester City on Sunday.
Leicester, currently struggling in the league, are managed by former United legend Ruud van Nistelrooy, who will be hoping to pull off an upset against Amorim’s men.
Can United carry their momentum forward and keep their European dreams alive? Stay tuned for more updates on ent360news!
