Manchester United’s newest recruit, Patrick Dorgu, may have arrived with a hefty price tag, but his salary tells a different story.
The 20-year-old Denmark international, who completed a £29.4 million move from Lecce, is reportedly among the lowest earners at Old Trafford. Despite signing a long-term five-and-a-half-year contract, Dorgu’s weekly wage is said to be just £40,000—an amount that places him behind even veteran backup goalkeeper Tom Heaton and experienced defender Jonny Evans.
United’s decision to bring in Dorgu stemmed from their urgent need to reinforce the left-back position. With Luke Shaw struggling for fitness—playing only 98 minutes all season—the club had explored alternatives, including Paris Saint-Germain’s Nuno Mendes and Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez. Ultimately, they opted for the promising Danish full-back, who has already shown his attacking instincts at international level, scoring just 42 seconds into his senior debut against Switzerland in September.
However, The Athletic reports that Dorgu’s salary does not reflect the investment United made in him. His £40,000-per-week wage is notably lower than Heaton’s £45,000, despite the goalkeeper playing a minimal role at the club. In contrast, Shaw, when fit, commands £150,000 per week, making him one of the highest-paid defenders in the squad. The wage disparity raises questions about United’s salary structure, especially with several fringe players earning significantly more than their newly signed prospects.
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Manchester United’s financial strategy has come under scrutiny, particularly with big earners like Casemiro and Bruno Fernandes taking home £350,000 and £300,000 per week, respectively. Meanwhile, Marcus Rashford—who recently joined Aston Villa on loan—was previously earning £300,000 weekly, with Villa reportedly covering 70% of his wages. Similarly, Real Betis loanee Antony is still collecting £200,000 per week, with the LaLiga side shouldering 84% of his salary. These figures highlight the wage gulf between United’s high-profile names and emerging talents like Dorgu.
Dorgu now faces the challenge of proving his worth on the pitch. With United lacking a fully fit left-back for much of the season, Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui have had to fill in. But with Shaw returning to training, competition for the position will intensify. The Danish youngster will need to quickly adapt to the Premier League’s demands if he hopes to establish himself in Erik ten Hag’s plans.
Fans could get their first glimpse of Dorgu in action soon, as he is in contention to make his Premier League debut when United face Leicester City at Old Trafford on Friday. The young full-back was spotted in the stands during the club’s disappointing 2-0 defeat to Crystal Palace, and he will be eager to make his mark when he finally steps onto the pitch. With a modest salary but high expectations, Dorgu has everything to prove in Manchester.
