Manchester United have signed Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu until June 2030, with the option of an additional year.
Left-back Dorgu, 20, will wear the No 13 shirt and becomes head coach Ruben Amorim’s second addition this week, following the arrival of Ayden Heaven from Arsenal.
The versatile Denmark international has been in fine form this season so far, having won the second-most ground duels in Serie A and attempted the fourth most take-ons of any defender in the league.
He also scored with his first touch on his international debut in September.
What they said
“I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player; this is a very special day for my whole family," Dorgu told the official club website.
“I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim; his vision for this team and the future of the club is incredibly exciting. There is a clear plan set out for my development, and I feel that Manchester United is the perfect place to fulfil my potential and complete my huge ambitions.”
Jason Wilcox, Man Utd's technical director, added: “Patrick is a really exciting talent; his strong defensive and attacking attributes, adaptability and work-rate will make him a key part of Ruben Amorim’s squad.
“Patrick has had a superb start to his career, and at the age of just 20, we know he will continue to develop under the guidance of our excellent coaching team."
Where does he fit in?
United hope the signing will ease their issues at left-back, after problems in the position for a number of years.
England defender Luke Shaw has been restricted to only two Premier League appearances this season, and has not played since 1 December, after suffering a setback in his recovery from a calf injury.
Tyrell Malacia, who joined the club from Feyenoord in July 2022, has played three Premier League matches in 2024/25, and only 25 since his arrival. The Dutchman suffered a serious knee injury in 2023, keeping him out for over a year.
Their absences has seen both Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui used in the unfamiliar position.
What he will bring to United?
Dorgu’s ability on the ball and his strength going forward convinced United to make their move.
His eye-catching driving runs are only a small part of his game. With an average of 1.7 shots per match, he has scored three times, with two match-winning goals.
Jens Fonnskov Olsen, who managed Dorgu when he was part of the Denmark Under-19's set-up two years ago, says United fans should feel excited about the player's arrival
"Patrick is fast, he is forward-thinking, he can head both offensively and defensively, and he has a very, very good left foot," he said.
"He has been really well-educated [at Lecce], especially in the defensive part of the game. He is a really creative player, too."
Dorgu could make his Man Utd debut next Friday, when the Red Devils host Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round, before returning to Premier League action on Sunday 16 February with a trip to Tottenham Hotspur.
