Manchester United supporters are enduring a difficult campaign – to say the least – and Ruben Amorim requires assistance. In Patrick Dorgu, the Portuguese tactician has identified a player who can potentially transform his fortunes.
The Danish youngster has propelled himself into the spotlight with a series of standout performances for Italian side Lecce.
Despite turning 20 in October, Dorgu has already made 56 appearances for I Giallorossi, with four senior international outings for Denmark.
Per David Ornstein in the Athletic, United have opened dialogue with the Italian outfit for a potential move, as Amorim is eager to bolster his squad during the January window.
With Luke Shaw continuously enduring injuries and Tyrell Malacia potentially on the cusp of a loan departure, the 20-time English champions have relied on a naturally-right-sided Diogo Dalot to fill the void on the left side of defence.
With all respect to the 2023-24 Player’s Player of the Year, his performances have fallen well below the required standard, and in reality, Manchester United should not have to put square pegs in round holes.
Although a transfer is not agreed, and Gianluca DiMarzio states Napoli are keen to ‘block’ a move, the Reds are in the driver’s seat should they choose to finalise a package.
But why are Old Trafford officials eager to add this talented youngster to their ranks, and what could he offer to aid in the most forgettable of Premier League campaigns?
Patrick Dorgu ticks all of the boxes
From a simplistic point of view, an individual could highlight the system Lecce utilises and worry because of their four-back structure.
Surely Amorim wants to acquire players who fit his style?
While this is true to a certain extent, versatility is a fundamental consideration for any player, and Dorgu is the modern definition.
| Serie A 2024-25 | Appearances | Goals | Assists |
| Right winger | 10 | 3 | |
| Left-back | 6 | 1 | |
| Left midfield | 3 | ||
| Right-back | 2 | ||
| Left winger | 1 |
As you can see from the table above, the Copenhagen native is regularly used in various positions and thrives regardless.
In terms of attributes and skillset, his performances highlight a unique talent already delivering metrics to rival the majority of attack-minded defenders in Europe.
This can only benefit a struggling Old Trafford outfit that is attempting to come to terms with a new formation and structure.
| * figures vs top five Euro leagues | Per 90 minutes | Percentile |
| Shots (total) | 1.65 | 95 (vs Full-backs) |
| Shot-creating actions | 2.37 | 68 (vs Full-backs) |
| Progressive passes | 2.27 | 9 (vs Full-backs) |
| Progressive carries | 2.68 | 79 (vs Full-backs) |
| Touches (attacking penalty area) | 2.40 | 88 (vs Full-backs) |
| Progressive passes received | 5.63 | 79 (vs Full-backs) |
| Tackles | 2.06 | 93 (vs Wingers) |
| Interceptions | 0.65 | 86 (vs Wingers) |
| Blocks | 0.96 | 59 (vs Wingers) |
| Clearances | 2.20 | 99 (vs Wingers) |
| Aerials won | 1.68 | 96 (vs Wingers) |
Given his interchange, the above portrays his metrics in a way that will best highlight his attributes in an Amorim system. Also, it is imperative to remember that he plays for a side currently occupying 17th in the Italian top tier.
What is clear is an undeniable ability to impact the game on either side of the field. He offers versatility and, similarly to Amad, a willingness to work for the team in any role.
Brian Riemer identified this at an early stage and has predominantly utilised the 20-year-old on the left side in an attacking mould for Denmark.
Remarkably, he earned his first international goal with his opening touch against Switzerland, 42 seconds after his debut appearance in May 2024.
If completed, Dorgu would become the first signing under Amorim, and his age profile matches the desires of the Ineos best-in-class backroom team.
His youthful energy, desire to compete at the highest level of European football, and willingness to grow alongside this Portuguese vision are an exciting recipe for a troubled Manchester supporter base.
The Dane is a player that should appeal to the Stretford End, and with any luck, Sir Jim Ratcliffe can ensure this gets over the line in the coming days.
How do you feel about the prospect of Patrick Dorgu slotting into the left side of a United backline?
Let us know in the comments or across our social channels.
Statistics gathered from fbref.com.
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