Manchester United have snapped up Patrick Dorgu with Lecce now explaining their decision to let him move to Old Trafford.
The January transfer window is over and Manchester United completed three incomings deals.
Diego Leon will join United from Cerro Porteno this summer whilst Ayden Heaven arrived at Old Trafford from Arsenal.
Those two signings are for the future but Patrick Dorgu will be expected to have more of an instant impact.
United have snapped up Dorgu from Lecce, viewing the Dane as an ideal signing to play at left wing back in Ruben Amorim’s 3-4-2-1 system.
Dorgu was presented to the United fans before Sunday’s defeat to Crystal Palace and will be looking to make his debut quickly.
- READ: Confirmed Manchester United transfer deals for January 2025, ins, outs, loan moves, deadline date
Lecce chief explains Patrick Dorgu transfer
Dorgu has shown huge potential in Italy and United are now hoping to see him becoming a star at Old Trafford.
There will be some ups and downs; Dorgu’s display for Lecce against Inter Milan was criticised and he must improve his game defensively.
The attacking traits are there with Dorgu though and he has the talent to shine in the famous red shirt.
Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has now explained Dorgu’s exit having previously suggested that Lecce would not sell him in January.
As quoted by Tuttomercatoweb, Sticchi Damiani suggested that Dorgu’s move to United is ‘extraordinary’ given that it’s a record fee for a bargain signing.
Sticchi Damiani noted that United just wouldn’t stop pushing for Dorgu and essentially managed to turn Dorgu’s head.
It’s suggested that United offered an ultimatum during negotiations – now or never.
Dorgu wanted to make the move and Lecce agreed, even adding that United ware paying the fee in instalments.
“Let’s start with the Dorgu operation which has the characteristics of the extraordinary. It is our record transfer and it happens in our moment of great economic health,” said Sticchi Damiani.
“We said several times that Dorgu would not leave in January, and now I will explain why the opposite happened. Then Manchester United arrived, who made themselves heard with us and with the boy’s entourage, receiving an official response from us that I leave here, in which we said that we had no intention of letting Dorgu leave in January. And not talking about figures, not asking for increases. This, instead of stopping United, had the opposite effect.
“Manchester United insisted, we asked several times to postpone everything until the summer, also promising the young man that he would not miss the opportunity. For us too it was a historic step, we just wanted to do it in July. The English communicated to us their desire, the club and its coach, to be immediate. There was an ultimatum, now or never, also giving this message to the player himself. You cannot judge Dorgu, you are 20 years old and Manchester United comes to you with an offer like that. The combination of these factors led us to think that we would have gone from being consistent to being stupidly obstinate.
“Dorgu will be paid in 5 years, because even big clubs like Manchester United ask for instalments,” he added.
Manchester United may not be done at left wing back
Dorgu will hopefully become United’s left wing back of the future and play a starring role for many years.
There may still be scope for another addition in that role though, with the summer transfer window no doubt already being eyed up.
Diogo Dalot is not a natural left footer and may be better served moving back to the right side in the long term.
Diego Leon and Harry Amass both have real potential but it’s too soon to throw them into regular Premier League action next term.
Adding another left wing back to compete with Dorgu would be perfect with Alvaro Fernandez potentially ideal.
United can re-sign Fernandez for around £17million this summer and ticks the boxes in terms of being a fit at left wing back, having big potential for the future and not breaking the bank.
Other positions may be prioritised first but don’t be surprised if United add a second left wing back signing in the summer.
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