Manchester United make Patrick Dorgu bid Why Ruben Amorim ...

Expert Italian insight 

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There’s an increasing dearth of top quality left-sided defenders but Patrick Dorgu remains one of the most fascinating options across Europe. Despite Leece’s struggles in Serie A this season, Dorgu has flourished and cemented his reputation as one of the most talented and versatile prospects in Italy.

Dorgu is naturally a left-back and he played exclusively in that role or higher on the left in midfield as he progressed through the academy at FC Nordsjaelland. The 20-year-old continued in that role after joining Leece but recently he’s been deployed at right-wing, instructed to cut in on his left-foot. Dorgu also plays in a more attacking role for Denmark but his adaptability and development potential is a major asset and paramount to why he’s attracting serious interest from Manchester United. Reputable journalist David Ornstein revealed on January 20th that United had began talks with Leece over a January deal.

Why Manchester United want Patrick Dorgu

Simply, Rubem Amorim’s tactical system is perfectly suited to Dorgu’s characteristics. The Portuguese boss’ preferred 3-4-2-1 formation places huge emphasis and demands on the wing-backs and United have issues in these positions. Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazaroui have been deployed as the wing-backs but they are both naturally full-backs and it’s caused issues in attacking phases.  Both Dalot and Mazaroui are also right-footed as United’s two left-backs have experienced fitness issues.

Luke Shaw’s injury record is horrendous and Tyrell Malacia has only recently returned after missing the entirety of last season. While Shaw is a top-class operator when fit, whether he possesses the athleticism - due to injury concerns - to play left wing-back is highly debatable. Dorgu would provide a left-footed option with attacking instincts to play left-wing back and he could also easily play on the right. It’s worth noting that Amorim’s preferred right wing-back at Sporting CP was Geovany Quenda and there’s distinct similarities to Dorgu. Amorim could use wingers as wing-backs and has deployed Amad Diallo there fleetingly but he's been reticent to do that early in his United career with time on the training pitch restricted over the festive period.

On Dorgu’s best position, Transfermarkt’s Serie A expert, Jatin Dietl said: “His position is difficult to define, he is actually a left-back with strong offensive qualities. But most recently, Lecce has deployed him in attack, where he is more at home on the right than on the left. A player with a lot of potential who still has to find his final position on the pitch, a move to Manchester United seems far too early to me.”

How much will Patrick Dorgu cost?

Contrary to some reports, Leece are under no immediate financial pressure to sell Dorgu this month but they recognise the 20-year-old is their most prized asset. The versatile star is Leece’s most valuable player at €20 million and Transfermarkt understands an offer of around €30m would be required to accelerate talks - Leece's record sale is €19.5m for Morten Hjulmand. Leece currently sit 18th in Serie A and are engulfed in a relegation battle, so keeping him until the summer would be their ideal solution. Moreover, Man United aren’t the only club interested in Dorgu with Chelsea also scouting him regularly and he has interest from other major European clubs.

Lecce are in a good financial position, they don't necessarily have to sell, but they know that they won't be able to keep Dorgu for much longer. But I think they'll do everything they can not to lose him in the winter. There will be enough interest in the summer. United would have to come in with a very good offer, well above his current market value.