“Signings” and “Manchester United” haven’t gone hand-in-hand this January so far but the latest defeat in the Premier League seems to have set the alarm bells ringing.
Ruben Amorim has had to coach Man Utd with effectively one hand tied behind his back, taking over a team that wasn’t his and in the worst possible moment.
To rectify that, at least some reinforcements are needed and United look determined to clear that space by making some outgoing moves.
Antony is set for Real Betis and Tyrell Malacia is free to leave, which means one incoming can be sealed. Apparently, it’s a player who has an engine unlike anyone else.
Man Utd target Patrick Dorgu
Man Utd’s links to Patrick Dorgu have recently picked up pace, with the club opening discussions for the player who counts a PL legend as his footballing idol.
Dorgu is a flying left-back who, at just 20 and for a relegation-threatened side like Lecce, has shone in a new role.
Dorgu came through the ranks as a right-winger who cut inside on his stronger left foot and let loose but has learned defensive discipline in Italy to convert to a left-back.
He has impressed so much in Italy that Lecce’s sporting director, Pantaleo Corvino, gave him the ultimate compliment that will come as music to the ears of Ruben Amorim.
Last month, Corvino spoke to Gazzetta dello Sport and waxed lyrical about Dorgu’s biggest quality- his work rate.
Corvino said: “Dorgu is a potential champion. Correction: he is a champion. Left or right winger, he runs like three players and can find the goal. He has an engine that no one else has.”
For a player who’s expected to take over in arguably the most demanding position in the world, that of a wing-back, having an “engine that no one else has” is the perfect quality.
Dorgu hints at Ruben Amorim’s ideal player
Dorgu is the first player United have been linked to reliably so it offers a hint about the type of player Amorim will look to target going forward.
The Dane combines power and dynamism with skill on the ball that can be honed to make him an all-around menace in both boxes.
At just 20, he can be molded into Amorim’s ideal player but he comes with top-level experience and that too in multiple positions.
Most importantly, Dorgu seems to embody Amorim’s biggest demand from his players- intensity. He has repeatedly stressed that the players need to “suffer” for success and if a player is said to “run like three players”, that is exactly what Amorim needs.
Expect more links to young and powerful players as Amorim tries to turn United into a team that can’t be bullied on the pitch anymore.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
