Manchester United edging closer to signing incredible wing-back prodigy: report

Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim during the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Manchester United and FK Bodo/Glimt at Old Trafford on November 28, 2024 in Manchester, England.
Manchester United manager Ruben Amorim (Image credit: Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

Manchester United are prepared to bring in a superstar wing-back to give Ruben Amorim's team a much-needed shot in the arm.

The Red Devils slumped to another defeat at the weekend, losing 3-2 to Nottingham Forest at Old Trafford. Manchester United were criticised by some for a lack of unity that hasn't improved in Amorim's four games in charge thus far.

To make matters worse, sporting director Dan Ashworth has now left the club after mere months, with the direction of recruitment likely to be affected.

Manchester United 'muscling in' to sign left wing-back star

Manchester United full-back Diogo Dalot

Diogo Dalot is one option who has been used at left wing-back (Image credit: Getty Images)

Ruben Amorim favours a 3-4-3 – but many of the players at his disposal don't naturally suit the formation.

The Portuguese has used various options at wing-back, including Diogo Dalot, Amad Diallo and Tyrell Malacia, but owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe may have to dip into the transfer market to bring in different kinds of players for his new manager.

Manchester United owner Sir Jim Ratcliffe speaks during a media event to unveil the company's "Ineos Fusilier" outside the Grenadier public House in London on February 23, 2024. Manchester United new co-owner Jim Ratcliffe unveiled Friday his Ineos group's latest 4x4 electric vehicle, while calling on governments to understand the limitations of climate-friendly vehicles.

Sir Jim Ratcliffe may be about to fund another revolution (Image credit: DANIEL LEAL/AFP via Getty Images)

With that in mind, Man Utd News have relayed the Sunday Mirror's claims that United are closing in on Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu ahead of a potential January move.

Danish left-back Dorgu – ranked at no.19 in FourFourTwo's list of the most exciting teenagers to watch this season – has garnered attention from the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham, as we noted earlier this year that, “Dorgu is extremely calm, on or off the ball, and despite his obvious physical supremacy and excellent final ball, he never looks to force the opportunity.”

With United's need for the 20-year-old more of a priority than other rivals vying for his signature, the Red Devils may well accelerate plans for a transfer.

In FourFourTwo's opinion, Dorgu is a huge talent and would be a fantastic signing for the future of Manchester United – not just the present.

STADIO GIUSEPPE MEAZZA, MILAN, ITALY - 2024/08/24: Patrick Dorgu of US Lecce looks on during the Serie A football match between FC Internazionale and US Lecce. FC Internazionale won 2-0 over US Lecce. (Photo by Nicolò Campo/LightRocket via Getty Images) Tottenham Hotspur target

Patrick Dorgu is incredibly highly rated (Image credit: Getty Images)

It makes perfect sense that the club would be interested in the player – but should they perhaps be looking for a little more experience?

Dorgu is valued to be worth €12 million by Transfermarkt. Next Sunday sees the Etihad Stadium host the Manchester Derby, as Premier League action returns.

Mark White
Content Editor

Mark White is the Digital Content Editor at FourFourTwo. During his time on the brand, Mark has written three cover features on Mikel Arteta, Martin Odegaard and the Invincibles, and has written pieces on subjects ranging from Sir Bobby Robson’s time at Barcelona to the career of Robinho. An encyclopedia of football trivia and collector of shirts, he first joined the team back in 2020 as a staff writer.