Manchester United completed a £29 million move for Lecce’s highly-rated left-back Patrick Dorgu, but concerns have been raised over the lack of interest from Serie A’s elite clubs.
Arsenal legend Paul Merson has cautioned United supporters, questioning why clubs like Inter Milan, Juventus, and AC Milan were not more aggressively pursuing the Danish full-back. Despite Napoli being linked with Dorgu, Merson believes the absence of competition from Italy’s biggest sides should raise alarm bells at Old Trafford.
Dorgu, 20 became the first major signing under Ruben Amorim’s tenure, following the recent acquisition of Ayden Heaven. With Luke Shaw’s persistent injury struggles and Tyrell Malacia’s inconsistent availability, Amorim prioritized strengthening the left flank. While Diogo Dalot has been filling in as a left wing-back in United’s 3-4-3 system, the arrival of Dorgu offers a natural solution. United had to fend off competition from Tottenham before sealing the deal, with the youngster now set for a medical in Manchester.
Merson’s skepticism draws comparisons to the signing of Rasmus Hojlund, who arrived at Old Trafford for £64 million but has yet to justify his hefty price tag. The former midfielder pointed out that Italian clubs hesitated to invest heavily in Hojlund before United swooped in, suggesting a similar cautionary tale with Dorgu. “When the top clubs in Italy aren’t queuing up for a player, it does make you wonder,” Merson remarked. He further added that while Dorgu is a promising talent, his transition to the Premier League could be challenging.
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Despite these concerns, Lecce manager Marco Giampaolo confirmed that Dorgu’s move to Manchester United is imminent. Speaking to reporters, Giampaolo acknowledged that the 20-year-old had given everything to the club but admitted that his head had already turned towards the Premier League. Dorgu was seen waving goodbye to Lecce supporters, signaling the end of his time in Italy. Giampaolo revealed that he had considered using Dorgu in Lecce’s recent fixtures but ultimately decided against it, believing it was best for both the player and the club.
For United, this signing represents a calculated risk. Dorgu is seen as a more affordable alternative to targets like Milos Kerkez and Nuno Mendes, allowing the club to address a key weakness without breaking the bank. However, the pressure will be on the young defender to adapt quickly to the demands of the Premier League. Amorim will be hoping that Dorgu’s pace, attacking instincts, and defensive discipline can help solidify United’s backline, especially as the club pushes for a strong finish to the season.
As the transfer window edges toward its conclusion, all eyes will be on how Dorgu integrates into Amorim’s system. If the Danish full-back can defy Merson’s doubts and deliver consistent performances, he could prove to be a shrewd acquisition for United. However, should he struggle to make an impact, questions will once again be asked about United’s scouting and recruitment strategy, particularly when it comes to identifying talent from Serie A.
