Manchester United have been handed a “significant boost” in their pursuit of Patrick Dorgu as the 20-year-old fullback would reportedly “find it difficult” to turn down a January transfer to Old Trafford
GIVEMESPORT reveals the Red Devils have “begun exploring the possibility” of signing the Lecce star in the winter window with club officials keen to buttress Ruben Amorim with a new left wingback, given the dearth of viable options in that position in the United squad.
Both senior left backs – Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw – have experienced long-standing injury issues in recent years with Malacia having only recently retuned from a serious knee problem, while Shaw has suffered yet another setback.
This has forced Amorim, as was often the case for Erik ten Hag before him, to deploy Diogo Dalot out of position at LWB, despite the Portuguese international favouring the right hand-side of defence.
The result has seen United often struggle to penetrate down the left wing with Amorim’s trademark 3-4-3 system completely reliant upon the LWB to provide width and attacking thrust, as the LAM in the front three plays more centrally.
As such, a new LWB is an urgent priority for the club and Dorgu, who has emerged as one of the leading fullbacks in Serie A despite his tender age, appears tailor made for the role.
The Danish international is a physically robust defender with outstanding speed. He also possesses good technical ability and a strong engine to be able to get up and down the flank with ease – attributes Amorim demands from his wingbacks.
Dorgu has also played on both flanks for Lecce with this positional versatility likely to be attractive to Amorim given his receptiveness to his wingbacks playing on their opposing foot.
Bitter rivals Liverpool have also been linked with a move for Dorgu, while Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are also rumoured suitors, but it appears United are ready to jump the growing queue as they mull over a January raid for the talented 20-year-old.
The report by GIVEMESPORT reveals, “Manchester United have begun exploring the possibility of being able to leapfrog the likes of arch-rivals Liverpool in the queue for Dorgu’s signature, according to GMS sources, and they have been given optimism about their chances of reaching an agreement with Lecce as it has emerged that he would be keen to take advantage of the chance to make a big move.”
Dorgu signed a new five-year deal earlier this season, tying him to the Italian club until 2029, and potentially scuppering a move in the near future.
However, his wages – believed to be as little as £10,000-a-week – and the fact Lecce are reported to be willing to entertain offers in the region of £30 million offers hope to United, even if the club’s finances are expected to be restricted this winter.
Given how integral a physically imposing wingback is in Amorim’s high intensity style, and the current squad’s ongoing issues with providing the 39-year-old coach with what he needs on the left flank, it may be a price the club need to pay, regardless of how they do it.
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Darragh Fox
Darragh is a writer for The Peoples Person who spent three years as a history graduate slowly realising football was by far the most interesting thing to write about.
