Patrick Dorgu was one of Ruben Amorim’s first signings as Manchester United head coach.
Ruben Amorim was appointed as Manchester United’s head coach last November following a successful spell in Portugal as Sporting CP manager.
Ineos were proactive in the forthcoming January transfer window by plugging a hole in the team. Amorim wanted a wing-back for the left flank, which had proved to be a problematic area of the team under previous manager Erik ten Hag.
Patrick Dorgu arrived from Lecce, and the six-month acclimatisation period helped him start this season in better form. The 20-year-old will face competition from Paraguayan youngster Diego Leon, who has yet to make his competitive debut for the club, as well as Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui.
During the September international break, Dorgu played 26 minutes for Denmark against Greece, albeit on the right wing – a role he played for Lecce before signing for United.
Dorgu will be hoping for a start in the Manchester derby on Sunday.
Man Utd beat Napoli to Patrick Dorgu’s signature
At such a young age, Dorgu has plenty of time to develop his game and become a better wing-back. The hope at Old Trafford is that he can cement his role in the team for many years to come.
In a recent interview with Kiss Kiss Napoli, Lecce technical director Pantaleo Corvino claims Napoli came close to signing Dorgu before he moved to United.
Corvino says Lecce were in talks with several clubs over Dorgu, including Napoli, who went on to win the Serie A title. He adds that the young Dane clearly favoured joining Amorim over Antonio Conte’s side and others.
“Dorgu was close to joining Napoli. Before Manchester United, we had several discussions with a few clubs, then the Red Devils presented us with the best option with a significant offer,” Corvino said, as quoted by Tuttomercato.
“His entourage also pushed us towards this high-profile team, but above all, the offer was such that Lecce couldn’t refuse it.”
Although Dorgu could have won a Serie A title had he joined Napoli, the wing-back will be happy with the fact he has made 23 appearances since joining United. Amorim has faith in him as a first-team player.
Dorgu defends Amorim’s 3-4-3 system
A lot has been written about Amorim’s preferred system at United.
Results suggest it is not quite going to plan, but Amorim is convinced that it will eventually pay off.
Dorgu is one player who doesn’t think the system is the problem at United.
The Denmark international argued how its fluidity allows United to be more flexible in a tactical sense.
“It depends what system you’re playing against,” Dorgu said, as quoted by The Guardian.
“You can always drop alongside the centre-backs to make it a 4-3-3. It’s about adapting to who you’re playing against and helping each other, move for each other, and then it’s not really about the system. It’s more like how you’re dealing with it.”
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