Patrick Dorgu has had a whirlwind few months at Manchester United since arriving, and in the form of Diego Leon, has his latest challenge.
It already feels like a lifetime ago when Patrick Dorgu arrived from relegation-threatened Lecce straight to becoming the first-choice left wing-back at the most scrutinised club in world football.
Dorgu polarised many with his form, as glimpses of what he could become were interrupted by spells of what he was.
Therefore, he would know better than anyone the situation of Diego Leon, who has taken an even larger jump in levels and now faces a Danish international as his competition at Old Trafford.
Patrick Dorgu on Diego Leon
While Dorgu is the undisputed starter for now, he won’t be sitting on his laurels if Leon’s early United career is any indication.
After making a bold promise before arriving at the club, Leon has already beaten off competition from Harry Amass, who is heading out on loan.
Leon is earning Amorim’s trust quickly, and while Dorgu has been world-class in pre-season so far, the battle for that spot might be closer than it looks right now.
Dorgu was asked about Leon’s arrival recently and the impact it can have on his game, and what he said personifies the kind of characters Amorim wants in his squad.
He said: “I try to help him [Diego Leon]. He’s a good addition to the team. Everyone wants healthy competition in the squad.
“It’s about pushing each other and helping the team to perform at its best.”
Ruben Amorim’s dressing room reset is working
Dorgu’s comments about helping Leon and wanting to push each other to be the best are a far cry from a certain player complaining about not starting the game after United lost the biggest match of the 2024/25 season.
Amorim froze out five players before the pre-season began because he wanted to foster a strong bond between the players he had identified as part of his plans.
He didn’t want the influence of players like Alejandro Garnacho or Jadon Sancho to seep into the new signings when he was itching for a clean slate.
Even since the pre-season began, Amorim has repeatedly stressed the importance of a positive team spirit, and how it can push the team to win games that look impossible to win at times.
Dorgu personifies that spirit, and the best thing is that youngsters like Leon will come through in that lively and positive dressing room as well.
Amorim’s dressing room reset is working, and Dorgu’s comments prove it.
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