Heading into deadline day, Manchester United have only added two major signings into Ruben Amorim’s squad.
The first was 18-year-old Ayden Heaven, who signed for Manchester United from Arsenal on Saturday afternoon.
Heaven may be thrown straight into Amorim’s side after Lisandro Martinez’s injury against Crystal Palace on Sunday afternoon. The youngster was introduced to the Old Trafford crowd moments before kick-off alongside United’s other signing – Patrick Dorgu.
United paid an initial £25m for Dorgu from Serie A side Lecce. Ruben Amorim has struggled to find natural wing-backs in his current squad and Dorgu is an ideal fit. His versatility also means he can play on either wing.
Dorgu could replace Diogo Dalot after the Portuguese defender struggled against Palace.
Patrick Dorgu is a ‘super talented’ athlete
Amorim has demanded more aggression and physicality from his side in recent weeks, and in Dorgu he has signed a top-tier athlete.
Dorgu has been described as a “machine” due to his relentless running at wing-back. One of Amorim’s first observations at United was that his players needed to run more, especially when it came to tracking back.
Speaking on NBC Sports, Robbie Mustoe and former United goalkeeper Tim Howard praised United’s signing of Dorgu.
Mustoe said: “He looks raw, he’s an athlete, he can dribble past players, he looks ideal.
“Again, he needs polishing a little bit. The left wing-back is the number one position they needed to address.
“From what I’ve seen of him, and what I’ve read about comments about him – he’s super talented. He’s a dribbler, he’s got a tremendous engine which you need as a wing-back to defend and attack.”
Howard added that Dorgu is a perfect signing for Amorim – “I like this for Man United and Amorim, because he kind of did the same thing at Sporting. Signing young players who are moldable and we know that wing-backs are the most important part of this.
“This signals a little bit of intent.”
Patrick Dorgu must start for Man United against Leicester
After Dorgu’s arrival was confirmed on Sunday and he was unveiled to Old Trafford, United’s new No.13 will be eager to get going in red.
Both of United’s wing-backs were poor against Crystal Palace and lacked any threat against a well-organised defence who were happy to sit deep.
That will likely be the case again on Friday when United face Ruud van Nistelrooy’s Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round.
READ MORE: Lecce send three-word message to Manchester United as Patrick Dorgu transfer now confirmed
United will need threat from out wide and it is an ideal match for Amorim to give Dorgu his debut – even if he has had less than a week in training.
Heaven could also feature in the matchday squad after Martinez’s injury. Amorim will need a centre-back to fill in on the left of his back three.
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