Manchester United’s problems at left-back are well known with Ruben Amorim forced to play Diogo Dalot in that position, just as former manager Erik ten Hag had also done.
Luke Shaw is once again injured while Tyrell Malacia has struggled since his return from long-term injury, hence the need for the Portugal international to slot in on the left.
Amorim’s system employs wingbacks instead of full-backs with the wingbacks tasked with providing width and attacking thrust, something Dalot finally accomplished in the game against Liverpool last weekend.
However, the head coach knows his compatriot is more suited to the right and hence, has asked INEOS for reinforcements this January.
Left wingback needed
However, owing to PSR constraints, the club has not managed to pull off a deal, and are instead monitoring multiple targets currently.
However, their lack of funds and dilly-dallying might have led to them losing out on Lecce wing-back Patrick Dorgu. The Denmark international is left-footed and can play on both flanks, a huge asset for Amorim.
Tottenham, Chelsea and even Liverpool were interested in the young Dane but it seems Dorgu is set to stay in Italy if recent reports are to be believed.
Napoli seem to have won the race with CN24 relaying a report from Il Mattino which has claimed that the 20-year-old has agreed to join Antonio Conte’s side next summer.
Dorgu headed to Napoli
“There is also a basic agreement with the Salento club for the promising left winger Patrick Dorgu (20) who however will remain with the Giallorossi until June and then pack his bags,” the report stated.
The Lecce star has made 20 appearances this season, while registering three goals and has a contract with his current Serie A outfit until 2029.
They had ruled out a January exit and United would have liked Dorgu to come in and make an impact as soon as possible. However, Napoli’s offer was beneficial for both parties and it seems United are set to miss out on one of their key targets.
Whether INEOS can land a replacement before the window closes remains to be seen.
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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
