Manchester United splashed an initial £25 million in January to land Patrick Dorgu from Lecce, in what was one of two incomings the club completed during the winter transfer window.
With Luke Shaw out injured and Tyrell Malacia struggling since his return from injury, Ruben Amorim was forced to play Diogo Dalot on the left, where he struggled to affect the game in an offensive sense.
Which is why he instructed INEOS to sign a wing-back and the Dane has hit the ground running, impressing in all three games he has played in so far.
Despite the Red Devils’ struggles, the 20-year-old has been a breath of fresh air, bombing forward at will and using his pace and physicality to great effect.
Dorgu has impressed
And the head coach has been impressed with what he has seen so far, claiming that the Denmark international is showing why the Red Devils went all out to land him ahead of other suitors in January.
Unlike past transfer dealings under the Glazers where the club had signed mercenaries who arrived for one last paycheque, Dorgu genuinely wanted to come to Old Trafford to prove himself which explains his fast start to life as a Red.
“I think the one important thing is that he’s really excited to be here and you can feel it every day,” Ruben told club media. “So it’s something that I’m really happy with, because he understood how lucky he is to play for a club like ours.
“He’s playing really well in the context that it is really hard, but he’s showing a lot of things that we thought about when we bring a player like him in – a young player.”
Given the trying conditions at the club now, young players might cower in fear or fail to deal with the increased attention and pressure. But Dorgu does not look fazed and even on a difficult afternoon at Goodison Park, he was among a few players who embraced the challenge and emerged with his reputation enhanced.
Amorim full of praise
The former Lecce star started on the right against Leicester City in the FA Cup but has since reverted to playing on the left in each of his two Premier League appearances.
Versatility is another feather he has in his cap with the ex-Sporting boss also lauding his speed during transitions as a great quality. And at 20, he has his best years ahead of him which is great news for the 20-time English league champions.
“He has the pace, he has the quality, he can play both sides, but he’s playing on the left. I think he’s feeling a little bit more free. He’s going to be a very good player for us now and in the future.”
Amorim will be hoping Dorgu can keep up his current levels with United set to face Ipswich Town on Wednesday in a potential six-pointer as United look to steer clear of a relegation scrap.
Feature image Jan Kruger via Getty Images
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Ayantan Chowdhury
Ayantan has worked for 10 years in the Indian sports media industry, writing for the biggest newspapers and websites but his heart was always set on writing about his favourite club. Currently an editor at The Peoples Person. You can follow him on X: @ayantanc_25
