“We didn’t expect that”: Serie A chief breaks silence on United’s surprise €30m January swoop

Lecce president Sticchi Damiani has revealed that Manchester United refused to take no for an answer in their pursuit of Patrick Dorgu. The Red Devils secured the signature of the Danish full-back from Lecce in January 2025 for a reported €30 million fee. The Premier League giants were looking for a new left full-back who would fit into Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-3 system. United zeroed in on Dorgu for the job and the player enjoyed a decent first six months at the Theatre of Dreams. The Dane registered one assist from 20 appearances in all competitions in the 2024/25 campaign, but his performances have dipped this season. A mixed campaign so far Dorgu started the 2025/26 season as the preferred choice for the left wing-back role but soon lost his place as the season progressed. With Amad Diallo sizzling in the right wing-back position, Amorim has often opted to deploy Diogo Dalot at left wing-back to mixed effect. However, with Amad leaving for AFCON duty, Dorgu has been deployed at the right wing-back position in recent weeks, and he has enjoyed a resurgent run of form. The 21 year old has registered two goal contributions in his last three games, and has made 18 appearances across competitions this season. Patrick Dorgu Stats: 2025/26 Season CompetitionAppearancesGoalsAssistsYellow CardsRed CardsMinutes Played Premier League17124-892′ EFL Cup1—-45′ Total18124-937′ Source: Transfermarkt. While Dorgu is not the finished article yet, the player’s recent performances, especially his impact in the final third, have pleased the Old Trafford faithful. Damiani has now shed light on the circumstances of the player’s departure from Lecce. United were determined to get Dorgu Speaking to Tuttosport, Damiani said: “It hurt because I had to contradict myself. I truly thought I wouldn’t be selling anyone in January, but we didn’t expect that increase from United. We were also taken aback by the English club’s absolute unwillingness to postpone the deal until the following June.” Damiani went on to add that the Serie A club have coped well with Dorgu’s departure. He said: “Technically, we were comfortable. We had Pierotti, who was ready.” “At that historic moment, Dorgu was paradoxically a replaceable player. Despite his great value, because he was systematically deployed on the right, as an inverted winger. A position in which he lost much of his potential.” Damiani also insisted that the Dane is back to his best at United of late because he is playing in his natural position. He said: “I’m seeing him back in his natural position in Manchester, where he devastates opponents.” Final Thoughts It is important for United to be patient with Dorgu, who has loads of talent but is part of a team that has struggled so far. The Dane’s defensive contributions will have to improve, although his decision-making in the final third has been significantly better in recent weeks. However, his hefty price tag will continue to raise questions, so it is important for Dorgu to step up his efforts this year and prove his detractors wrong. Featured image Carl Recine via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Deepungsu Pandit Deepungsu has been a Manchester United fan since 2000. In his playing days, he was an attacking midfielder with a proclivity for the back heel. Right now, however, he prefers to operate as a regista. Deepungsu has been writing about the Red Devils, Football, and other things since 2009. He has worked for over seven years with Sportskeeda, writing football reviews, opinions and news articles. Deepungsu also maintains a blog, The Thinking Me, where he writes about life and things that interest him. His favourite Manchester United player is Paul Scholes.