Patrick Dorgu has officially completed a £25 million switch from Lecce to Manchester United, becoming the club’s sole first-team signing in the winter transfer window.
United legend Peter Schmeichel believes the 20-year-old defender will be under significant pressure to perform immediately, given the club’s ongoing struggles and their urgency to strengthen at left wing-back.
With Luke Shaw’s injury concerns persisting, United were eager to reinforce their defensive options. While Milos Kerkez from Bournemouth and PSG’s Nuno Mendes were both linked with a move, the club ultimately prioritized Dorgu, securing him despite competition from Napoli.
Dorgu made his United debut just five days after signing, featuring for 45 minutes in an FA Cup win against Leicester. His first full 90-minute outing ended in disappointment, though, as United suffered a loss to Tottenham. Now, all eyes are on him ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash against Everton.
Schmeichel, discussing Dorgu’s arrival, emphasized the high expectations surrounding the Danish youngster. “Joining a club like Manchester United is massive, especially with the current struggles they’re facing,” the legendary goalkeeper told Campo. “This is arguably the club’s most difficult period since the 1930s, and the only significant signing has been Dorgu—so the pressure is huge.”
Despite the weight of expectation, Schmeichel is optimistic. “He’s shown promise. In his first game, he only played 45 minutes, but you could already see a glimpse of what Ruben Amorim envisions for the team.”
The former Lecce man started at right-back on debut, a decision Amorim later explained. “He has experience on both flanks, which is a crucial trait we look for. He was a little anxious with his first few touches, but that’s expected in a new league with a different pace. He has speed, strength, and plenty of room for growth.”
Amorim also hinted that Dorgu could continue switching flanks depending on tactical needs. “His versatility is valuable—sometimes you need a left-footer cutting inside, sometimes a right-footer delivering crosses. That flexibility is key to our system.”
As Dorgu settles into life at Old Trafford, he’ll be looking to prove himself as a reliable asset for United’s future.