Manchester United are in dire need of reinforcements if they are to avoid 2024/25 becoming their worst season in the Premier League era.
Ruben Amorim said this might be the poorest United team in history following his side’s chastening 3-1 home defeat to Brighton & Hove Albion — a result that left them in 13th place in the table.
After a recent upturn in performances — including a draw at Liverpool, a penalty-shootout win over Arsenal in the FA Cup, and a come-from-behind victory over Southampton — the manner of the loss to Brighton once more laid bare the problems with which Amorim is contending.
One of the biggest issues for the Portuguese coach seems to be getting his players to adapt to the tactical demands of his 3-4-3 system. The wingbacks are a crucial component to that formation, yet United do not have any obvious specialists for those roles, with full-backs Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui having been shoehorned into the side for want of any other options.
However, United seem to have identified a possible solution to that problem. According to reports from the likes of Fabrizio Romano and David Ornstein, they have accelerated plans to sign Patrick Dorgu from Lecce.
While the Red Devils may need to sell a player in order to make the deal happen as they navigate the Premier League’s spending rules, there appears to be optimism that the transfer could be done.
It could prove an important first part of Amorim’s rebuild.
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Who is Patrick Dorgu?
Patrick Dorgu is a full-back who plays for Lecce in Serie A and the Denmark national team.
Born in October 2004 in Copenhagen, he moved to Italy in July 2022 after previously playing in the Nordsjaelland academy, one of the most esteemed in Europe. He made his Lecce debut in August 2023, six months after signing a long-term senior contract, and has been part of the first team ever since.
Dorgu, whose father is Nigerian, played for Denmark at youth level and won his first senior cap in September 2024 in a UEFA Nations League match with Switzerland. He scored less than a minute after coming on as a second-half substitute.
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What position does Patrick Dorgu play?
Dorgu is predominantly a left full-back, but his versatility has seen him used in both defensive and attacking roles on either flank for Lecce.
On his Lecce debut in August 2023 in a Coppa Italia match against Como, he came off the bench to replace the injured left-back Antonio Gallo. A little over 10 minutes later, he assisted Pontus Almqvist’s winning goal.
“If I played him against Como, it means I believe in him. His qualities are obvious. Now, we have to give him time to make mistakes,” said Roberto D’Aversa, Lecce coach at the time.
It is this attacking output combined with athleticism that appeals to Amorim and United. They are short of options when it comes to wingbacks who can provide both defensive cover and effectiveness going forward, particularly on the left, where Dalot has been used frequently despite being better suited to the right-hand side.
Even at a young age and with limited experience at the highest level, Dorgu would likely be a first-team regular if he signed for United, especially with Tyrell Malacia and Antony expected to leave on loan (the latter’s situation appearing to be wrapped on Monday) and Luke Shaw still sidelined.
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How much will Patrick Dorgu cost?
Fabrizio Romano reported that Lecce’s asking price for Dorgu is around €40 million (£33.8m/$41.3m). United would attempt to drive that price down in negotiations.
Such a fee would represent good business both for Lecce and United, who have made a habit out of overpaying for players in recent years and are now having to be extremely careful when it comes to spending so as not to fall foul of financial rules.
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While there is always an element of risk in signing an inexperienced young player, a fee in this region would almost certainly be a lot less than they would have to pay to land other targets for the position, such as Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez.
However, should they wish the move to go through in January, United will need to recoup some money through outgoings.
Antony is set to join Real Betis on loan and Malacia is also expected to make a temporary move elsewhere to recover his form and fitness. Combined with the impending departure of Marcus Rashford (again, on loan), this would at least see United’s wage bill reduced a little as teams will be required to cover at least part of these players’ salaries.
More may need to be done. Casemiro could still join the Saudi Pro League this month, which would bring in a transfer fee and get one of United’s highest earners off the books, and Victor Lindelof could also leave before the transfer window closes.
One or both of these exits could largely offset the cost of bringing in Dorgu.
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