New Delhi: The current Manchester United team is clearly not at the level that Ruben Amorim needs to succeed at Old Trafford, and the current players are not living up to the standards that once the old school Red Devils had set. By eliminating huge names like Marcus Rashford or calling this Red Devils team the “worst in United history,” it is evident that the Portuguese wants new players to help him realize his vision as quickly as possible.
Since Amorim’s arrival, the Red Devils have, predictably, been connected to a number of players, including some from Sporting CP, his previous club. However, as the rumour mill ramps up as we approach the last two weeks of the January transfer window, there are now rumors that United’s first big-name acquisition of the Amorim era may actually come from Italy. This is because according to few reports, the Premier League’s biggest clubs had begun negotiations to acquire Patrick Dorgu, a defender for Serie A side Lecce.
Despite not being a household name, Dorgu has made a lot of impressions in Italy since joining the Lecce first team at the start of the 2023–24 season. Additionally, a recent change in position indicates that, should he complete a move to the Theatre of Dreams, the Denmark international might be able to find a spot in Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 formation.
Who is the new fullback catching the eyes of United?
🚨🔴 Manchester United keep looking at LWBs as they’ve also added Denmark international Patrick Dorgu to their list.
⏫️ Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes, higher on the list but more expensive.
Dorgu, monitored by #MUFC scouts in the recent months.
Napoli are also keen on him. pic.twitter.com/YWsTHME7hD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 6, 2025
Born and bred in Denmark, but the son of Nigerian parents, Dorgu is the product of FC Nordsjaelland’s outstanding work at the youth level. In 2016, the team was officially taken over by a consortium headed by Tom Vernon, the owner of the Right to Dream academy. The Superliga team has gained a reputation for nurturing young talent under Vernon’s direction, and in just the previous six years, FCN has sold more than €50 million (£44 million/$53 million) worth of indigenous players.
But Lecce only paid €200,000 (£175,000/$210,000) for Dorgu, and it soon became evident that famous sporting director Pantaleo Corvino had made another steal. Dorgu scored four goals in 33 games during his first season in Italy, helping his new team win the Primavera (Under-19s) league title for the first time in 19 years.
As word spread that Dorgu was already drawing admiring looks from other parts of Europe, Lecce quickly extended his contract until 2027 after realizing they had a true treasure on their hands. In the summer of 2023, Dorgu made an impression in several preseason matches before being added to the first team roster by then-senior team coach Roberto D’Aversa.
Why are Manchester United keen on signing Dorgu?
Dorgu has already solidified his status as one of Serie A’s rising stars by starting every game for Lecce in 2024–25, with the exception of the one he missed because of suspension. But his ability to adjust to a new role has been the most impressive factor. Dorgu is still occasionally used as a left-back, but new coach Marco Giampaolo has increasingly used him as a right-winger since his dismissal in November. Dorgu has scored three goals from the position so far in 2024–25, demonstrating how effective it is for him to cut inside onto his left foot in attacking areas.
Even before coming to Lecce, Dorgu had an edge because he was built and had the strength of an experienced player. He is, nevertheless, technically more sophisticated than many of his contemporaries. He has excellent vision, reads the game effectively, and is quite skilled at hurting opponents with his crossing and dribbling abilities. His movement from a defensive to an attacking role has made that more noticeable, and as he continues to grow.
Lecce’s chances of keeping Dorgu till the conclusion of the season may be gone with a numerousPremier League giants chasing the young fullback, including Man United. The Italian team is reportedly demanding a price of about €40 million (£34 million/$41 million) for their crown jewel, but considering how desperate United’s circumstances have gotten, they might be prepared to pay that amount for a player who could fill a variety of roles under Amorim’s system. However, other clubs such as Tottenham, Chelsea and Liverpool are also keeping a close eye at his situation.
Lecce’s €40 million-rated fullback Patrick Dorgu has emerged as a priority target for Manchester United as they align their ambitions with Ruben Amorim’s forward-thinking tactical approach. Football Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
