Manchester United have secured the signing of 20-year-old Danish international Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a record-breaking transfer. Here’s a closer look at the young talent, his career so far, and how he could fit into United’s squad under new manager Ruben Amorim.

Manchester United Finalize Deal for Patrick Dorgu

Reports emerging on Tuesday evening confirmed that Manchester United have reached an agreement with Lecce for the signing of Patrick Dorgu. The deal, which is set to cost around €35 million including add-ons, marks a significant investment in the promising full-back.

According to sources from La Gazzetta dello Sport, Dorgu and his family were already making preparations for the move to Manchester, signaling how quickly the transfer has come together. The talented youngster had also attracted interest from Serie A giants Napoli and Juventus, but United have won the race for his signature.

This transfer makes Dorgu the most expensive departure in Lecce’s history, shattering the previous record set when Morten Hjulmand moved to Sporting CP for €19.5 million in 2023.

Dorgu’s Journey: From Denmark to Serie A Success

Born in Copenhagen to Nigerian heritage, Dorgu has represented Denmark at various youth levels, progressing all the way up to the senior squad. His footballing journey began at Nordsjælland before he made the switch to Lecce in 2022, a move that set the stage for his rapid rise.

Since breaking into Lecce’s senior team, Dorgu has amassed 53 Serie A appearances, 21 of which have come this season. His contributions include three league goals and an assist during the 2024-25 campaign. His performances earned him a senior Denmark call-up in September, where he made an instant impact in a UEFA Nations League clash against Switzerland, scoring a late goal after coming off the bench.

Dorgu continued to be a part of Denmark’s Nations League squad in October and November, further cementing his place as one of the country’s brightest young talents.

Tactical Fit: Dorgu’s Versatility and Strengths

Originally deployed as a left-back at Lecce, Dorgu has showcased his adaptability over the course of the 2024-25 season, also featuring on the right wing. His ability to operate across multiple positions makes him a valuable asset for Ruben Amorim, who prefers dynamic players capable of fitting into various roles.

At United, Dorgu is expected to provide much-needed depth on the left flank, where injuries have plagued both Luke Shaw and Tyrell Malacia. Amorim’s preferred 3-4-2-1 system has often lacked a natural left-sided wing-back, with players like Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui forced to fill in out of position. Dorgu’s arrival presents a natural solution to this issue.

Additionally, given his experience as a winger in a 4-3-3 setup, he could be utilized in a more advanced role when needed. His left-footed playing style mirrors that of Amad Diallo, potentially offering United another attacking option in wide areas.

What Dorgu Brings to United

Dorgu’s combination of technical ability, versatility, and attacking intent makes him a perfect fit for Amorim’s tactical setup. His seamless transition between defensive and offensive roles allows United to be more fluid in their approach. As he embarks on this new journey at Old Trafford, all eyes will be on how he adapts to the Premier League and what impact he can make under Amorim’s guidance.

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim has expressed that Marcus Rashford is still far from returning to the club’s matchday squad. The England international has now missed 11 consecutive games, including United’s narrow 1-0 victory over Fulham at Craven Cottage on Sunday.

Rashford’s last appearance for Manchester United came more than six weeks ago, in the Europa League clash against Viktoria Plzen on December 12th. Following that match, the striker hinted at seeking a “new challenge” away from Old Trafford, fueling speculation about his future at the club.

The January transfer window presents an opportunity for Rashford to move on, but so far, no deal has materialized. Despite United’s ongoing struggles in front of goal, Amorim remains firm in his stance regarding the player.

When questioned about Rashford’s continued absence after the Fulham game, Amorim remarked, “It’s the same, it’s always the same reason. The reason lies in the training, in how I view what footballers should do every day—every detail matters.”

Amorim elaborated on his philosophy, stating, “If things don’t change, I won’t change. The same applies to every player. If you give your maximum effort and do the right things consistently, you’ll get your chance. But as of now, I’m not seeing that.”

The manager admitted that the team lacked pace and attacking dynamism on the bench, which could have helped alter the game against Fulham. However, he remains steadfast in his principles. “I’d rather put Vital [United’s goalkeeping coach] on the pitch before I field a player who isn’t giving their all every day. My standards won’t change in that regard,” he emphasized.

Amorim’s hardline stance persists despite Manchester United’s offensive woes. Joshua Zirkzee and Rasmus Hojlund have managed just five goals between them in the Premier League this season. Nonetheless, the Portuguese manager is unwilling to compromise his expectations for Rashford or any other player, signaling a clear message about his commitment to discipline and work ethic within the squad.

Antony’s temporary switch to Real Betis has been confirmed, with the Manchester United winger joining the La Liga side on loan until the end of the season after facing challenges in securing a regular spot under manager Ruben Amorim.

Former Manchester United goalkeeper David De Gea took to social media to wish his former teammate Antony the best of luck following the announcement.

The Brazilian international arrived in Spain on Friday evening to finalize the details of his move to Betis. The agreement does not include an option for a permanent transfer in the summer, keeping Antony’s future beyond this season open.

Antony joined Manchester United in September 2022 from Ajax in a high-profile £86.3 million deal. However, he has struggled to make a consistent impact in the Premier League. While he marked his debut with a goal against Arsenal, his tally stands at just 12 goals in 96 appearances for the club.

This season, Antony has found the back of the net only once, scoring in a commanding 7-0 victory over Barnsley in the EFL Cup third round. With limited opportunities at Old Trafford, the 23-year-old now heads to Spain, where Betis is reportedly set to cover a significant portion of his salary during the loan period.

Expressing his excitement about the move, Antony shared his thoughts on Instagram alongside several pictures, writing, “Intense day! Made a new story!”

His post was flooded with messages of encouragement from fans and players alike. Among them, De Gea, now playing for Fiorentina, offered his support by commenting in Spanish, “Suerte amigo,” meaning “Good luck, friend.” Current Manchester United goalkeeper Altay Bayindir also wished the winger success in his new chapter.

Antony and De Gea shared a year as teammates during the Brazilian’s debut season at United before De Gea’s departure in 2023. Now, as Antony embarks on this new journey with Real Betis, he’ll be looking to reignite his career and make a lasting impression in La Liga.