Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu has called Ruben Amorim’s “vision” for the club “incredibly exciting” after signing from Lecce for an initial £25 million on a five-year contract.
Denmark international Dorgu was at Old Trafford on Sunday to watch United host Crystal Palace hours after the 20-year-old’s arrival from the Italian side was announced, including potential add-ons of £4.1m and an optional extra year.
“I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim,” Dorgu told United’s website. “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.”
Patrick Dorgu stats
Born in Copenhagen, 20-year-old Dorgu played for Danish top-flight side Nordsjaelland before joining Lecce’s youth ranks in 2022.
The left-sided wideman has been almost ever-present in Serie A this season, including three league goals and one assist for the 14th-placed team.
He was presented at Old Trafford alongside England Under-19s defender Ayden Heaven, who has joined from Arsenal on a four-and-a-half-year contract for an undisclosed fee.
“I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player,” said Dorgu. “This is a very special day for my whole family.”
Dorgu Denmark debut
Dorgu scored with his first touch on his international debut when Denmark won 2-0 at home to Switzerland in the Nations League on September 5.
Having previously represented his country at youth level, Dorgu’s three senior international appearances since then have included one start.
Portuguese Amorim was announced as United’s new manager on November 1 but the former Sporting boss has endured an inconsistent start to his tenure.
Part of the problem has been widely perceived as an inability to effectively implement his preferred 3-4-3 formation with the squad he has inherited, so Dorgu’s signing is certain to have been made in the hope of fitting the prospect into that system.
The 20-time English champions started their encounter with Palace in 12th, having won 1-0 at Fulham a week earlier.