United’s blockbuster new attack will unleash 20-yo star, he will become an assist king for Amorim next year – opinion

Come the 2025-26 season, Manchester United are expected to have reshaped their attack, securing a striker alongside two number 10s to sharpen their attacking edge.

While these signings should add goals to Rúben Amorim’s team, one would ask which existing player stands to gain the most from this transformation.

It may not be the most obvious answer, but Patrick Dorgu could emerge as the biggest winner of United’s attacking rebuild.

Dorgu’s Untapped Potential

Dorgu was among Amorim’s first permanent signings, joining Ayden Heaven as part of the Portuguese manager’s winter 2025 acquisitions.

Injuries at left-back left INEOS with little choice but to sanction a £30 million deal with Lecce for the 20-year-old Danish full-back.

While some United fans were unfamiliar with the young defender, one standout statistic (before he made the switch to Old Trafford) provided hope that he could be an ideal fit for Amorim’s system: notably, in the first half of the Serie A season, he recorded 16 progressive carries leading to a shot (the highest among all defenders in the Italian league).

At United, he was not an instant sensation, but game by game, he showed glimpses of brilliance. His complete performance against Real Sociedad was his finest moment, demonstrating the player he could become.

Patrick Dorgu’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:

100% successful take-ons
100% tackles won
100% aerial duels won
75% ground duels won
9 touches in the opposition’s box
6 fouls won
5 shots
2 clearances
1 penalty won

Brings balance and quality. ⚖️ pic.twitter.com/gdcfShvuff

— Statman Dave (@StatmanDave) March 13, 2025

Tweet: “Patrick Dorgu’s game by numbers vs. Real Sociedad:

100% successful take-ons
100% tackles won
100% aerial duels won
75% ground duels won
9 touches in the opposition’s box
6 fouls won
5 shots
2 clearances
1 penalty won

Brings balance and quality.”

With United struggling collectively, it was inevitable that some players would not reach their full potential. Yet despite those struggles, Dorgu showed promise, leaving plenty of optimism for what lies ahead.

Across Europe’s top five leagues, Dorgu ranked as the u-21 defender with the highest progressive carries per 90 minutes (4.38) – an impressive feat considering his limited game-time.

That hinted at his ability to drive forward with the ball and arrive in dangerous attacking positions, often leading to inviting back-post crosses; however, United lacked the clinical striker needed to convert them.

Some argue he needs to refine his crossing and decision-making in the final third. Still raw, there is no doubt he will develop further. His teammates must also support him.

Alejandro Garnacho, at times, failed to fully capitalise on his overlapping runs, which limited his attacking output. And this is where Matheus Cunha comes in.

The Cunha-Dorgu partnership

Cunha’s movement and creativity will complement Dorgu. With the two combining on the left (like Cunha and Rayan Ait Nouri did at Wolverhampton Wanderers), we could be in for a treat. We could see intricate passing sequences, attacking overloads and positional rotations, all of which will elevate Dorgu’s effectiveness in the final third.

With United set to bring in a clinical striker – someone capable of converting chances efficiently – Dorgu’s deliveries should finally start yielding assists. One of the Victors – Victor Osimhen or Viktor Gyokeres – would have a field day getting on the end of the Danish starlet’s driven crosses into the box.

While certain aspects of his attacking play still require fine-tuning, there is little doubt that if anyone stands to benefit most from United’s attacking overhaul, it is Dorgu.

Despite failing to register an assist in 12 Premier League appearances last season, his 0.7 xAG (as per FBref) hinted at genuine promise.

With that xAG, he is consistently creating high-quality chances. On average, his teammates should be scoring nearly one goal per game from his passes.

In the league, Bruno Fernandes led the way for the Red Devils with 11 assists, with Amad Diallo close behind on eight. Next season, aside from Bruno and Amad, someone else will need to step up. Why not Dorgu?

With a more effective attacking structure, we may finally see his full potential as a left-wing-back, silencing his critics in the process and rewarding the faith of his manager in the process.

Featured image Alex Pantling via Getty Images

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