Man Utd boss Ruben Amorim is set to unleash his latest signing. (Image: Getty)
Patrick Dorgu walked through the Old Trafford gates alongside Ayden Heaven last weekend as ‘s latest signing, joining from Lecce in a £29million deal. Days later, the talented 20-year-old is in line for an instant start when United host Leicester City in the FA Cup fourth round on Friday.
has recruited Dorgu as his starting left-wing-back; there’s no question about that. It’s a problem position that has plagued his early reign.
Luke Shaw continues to face a losing battle against his relentless injury woes, while makeshift stand-in Diogo Dalot lacks the attacking impetus Amorim had at his disposal at Sporting.
Tyrell Malacia started five times under Amorim but was hauled off at half-time in four of those games and, on Tuesday, left United for PSV Eindhoven on loan.
Supporters have questioned the reasoning for Malacia’s temporary exit after, a day later, news emerged that Shaw had suffered a fresh setback in his latest comeback trail.
However, in sanctioning the move, Amorim has made his intentions for the remainder of the season crystal clear.
Dorgu will likely enjoy his first taste of English football against Leicester before starting most games going forward with next term in mind.
United’s decision to opt against committing the finances to replace Marcus Rashford after his loan exit to Aston Villa implied that the focus is on the summer.
Patrick Dorgu may make his debut against Leicester. (Image: Getty)
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The Red Devils are 13th in the but still have the FA Cup and, more importantly, the Europa League – with it a route to the Champions League – to play for.
Yet, Amorim’s squad was suited to his play style before the January transfer window, and now it’s even weaker.
These are the months where the foundations are laid, though, and Dorgu looks set to play a prominent role on the left flank.
Even when – or if – Shaw returns from injury this season, Amorim has hinted that he could receive more minutes as a left-centre-back rather than on the wing.
And regardless of whether PSV trigger the £8.3m buy option in Malacia’s contract, the Dutchman will likely leave permanently in the summer.
The door couldn’t be more open for Dorgu to establish himself as a regular starter, starting against the Foxes this week.
United’s new Denmark international won’t be limited to the left, given his versatility, which is one of his most appealing traits.
Dorgu featured for Lecce on the left, right, and centrally in defence, midfield, and attack. Amorim will undoubtedly utilise his flexibility.