Dorgu reveals reason behind name change at Man Utd

Suraj Radia

• 2 Oct 2025 13:12 CDT
• 3 min read

News

Manchester United youngster Patrick Dorgu has opened up on the inclusion of his middle name, Chinazaekpere, in recent months and described the meaning behind the change.

Dorgu arrived at United in January from Lecce and has become a regular feature in Ruben Amorim’s side, although the 20-year-old is still adapting to life in England and finding his feet in the Premier League.

Current ETV

Patrick Dorgu

D, M (L)

Man Utd

Patrick Dorgu

D, M (L)

Man Utd

€32.1M

ETV Range

€28.9M - €35.4M

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The Danish international was born in Copenhagen to Nigerian parents and has begun using his Igbo name more frequently since the start of the season due to his faith and devotion to his roots.

“Chinazaekpere means ‘God answers prayers’,” Dorgu said. “That’s what my parents gave to me when I was born. Religion means a lot to me, it’s always been a big part of my life and for my family. I’ve always been praying since I was young and I keep praying.

“Family and the community is what I’ve grown up with in Denmark so it’s good to try and maintain it here too. I come to pray at this church on Sunday if I have the time and we don’t have a game; I try to be here as much as I can.

“I don’t know if it [religion] has an advantage [on the pitch]. It’s about always believing, believing that God has a plan for me, and for my career.”

Dorgu: It was God’s plan for me to join Man Utd

Dorgu was Amorim’s first signing as United manager when he joined for €30m in the January transfer window and Dorgu has shown glimpses of his potential during his time at Old Trafford, having played largely at right wing at Lecce.

The youngster has featured in all but one game for United in the league this season but, despite the struggles of both him and the team, Dorgu believes he will only get stronger from the setbacks.

He said: “United is a massive club, I knew it would be a great opportunity and I always think that God has a plan for everything and the fact United were the only team in for me in January meant, for me, it has to be here.

“I’ve had ups and downs. It’s just about always believing in myself and believing that I can always get better by getting top moments on the pitch, so it’s about learning from my mistakes. It’s about me always giving my best and giving the best side of me.”

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