Why Patrick Dorgu Could Be the Ideal Signing for Manchester United
The January transfer window could be a pivotal phase in the club’s rebuild under Ruben Amorim, and addressing the left-back position is becoming a top priority. Injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw, coupled with inconsistent performances in this area have left United needing a reliable, natural option on the left side of the pitch. Patrick Dorgu, the 20-year-old Denmark international and Lecce starlet, could be the perfect solution.
Dorgu has emerged as one of Serie A’s most exciting young talents, shining in a struggling Lecce side that currently sits 16th in the league. Despite his team’s challenges, (as per FootyStats) Dorgu has stood out with three goals and an assist in 20 appearances, showcasing his attacking flair from defensive positions. His versatility is a rare asset—capable of playing as a left-back, wing-back, winger, and even on the right side if needed. For a United team that values tactical flexibility, Dorgu would be a great addition.
What makes the Danish fullback particularly attractive is his ability to carry the ball forward with intent, a key quality Amorim desires in his system. According to StatsBomb, Dorgu ranks in the top 4% of full-backs in Europe’s top five leagues for carries into the final third (1.03 per 90 minutes) and the top 6% for expected goals (0.17 per 90 minutes). These numbers underline his potential as an attacking outlet, something United have sorely missed on the left flank.
Amorim’s philosophy heavily relies on wide players who can stretch the pitch and create overloads in attacking areas. While United have adapted with makeshift options, such as using right-footed players on the left (Diogo Dalot), this has limited the team’s balance. Dorgu’s natural left-sided abilities would bring much-needed stability and fluidity to the squad. His high work rate, physicality, and stamina make him an ideal fit for Amorim’s high-intensity style, allowing him to dominate up and down the flank.
At just 20 years old, Dorgu also represents a signing for now and the future. His raw talent, coupled with Amorim’s track record of developing young players, gives him a high ceiling for growth. The transfer fee being reported of approx €30 million may unfortunately find the usual ‘Manchester United Tax’ added throughout the negotiations but overall this should be a low-risk, high-reward move. Other left back targets United have been linked with, such as Milos Kerkez and Rayan Ait-Nouri (who are Premier League proven) would undoubtedly not come cheap.
Dorgu is a transfer risk worth taking and INEOS have clearly done their homework on the young fullback. His versatility and ability to play both the right and left side will help solve some of Amorim’s early struggles to get the team functioning how he wants. Lecce’s sporting director Pantaleo Corvino claimed,"Left or right winger, he runs like three players and can find the goal. He has an engine that no one else has.” Dorgu has the potential to become a cornerstone of Amorim’s United side—a dynamic, dependable presence on the left who could help unlock the team’s attacking potential while solidifying their defensive structure. Dorgu has the energy, tenacity, physicality and athleticism this squad so badly requires. For United, with Napoli and other top European clubs also showing interest, this is a signing they can’t afford to miss.