Report: Manchester United’s Pursuit of Left-Back Faces Stiff Resistance | OneFootball

Manchester United’s Pursuit of Patrick Dorgu: A Test of Negotiation

Manchester United are pushing hard to bolster their left-flank options, but Lecce’s resistance over Patrick Dorgu is proving a challenge. With two bids rejected, including a latest offer of £27 million, United find themselves at a crossroads in the January transfer window.

Should they persist with negotiations or turn their attention elsewhere? According to TalkSPORT, United are prepared to shift focus to a familiar name—Alvaro Fernandez—if a deal for Dorgu falls through.

United’s Options at Left-Back

Despite spending three-and-a-half years at Old Trafford, Fernandez never made a senior appearance before being sold to Benfica last summer for a mere £5 million. Since then, he has impressed with 30 appearances across all competitions, contributing three goals and four assists.

Photo: IMAGO

If United activate their buyback clause, they could secure a player who knows the club environment and has shown promise in Portugal. However, it remains unclear whether Fernandez fits the mould of what new head coach Ruben Amorim envisions for the left-wing-back role in his system.

Lecce’s Stance on Dorgu

Lecce have played hardball over Dorgu’s price tag. Initially rejecting a £23 million bid, the Italian side have set their valuation at £35 million—a huge increase from the mere £168,000 [€200,000] they paid FC Nordsjælland in 2022.

Dorgu’s rapid rise has seen him accumulate 56 appearances, five goals, and two assists since his Lecce debut in August 2023. His performances have also earned him four caps for Denmark’s senior team, making him one of Europe’s most exciting young full-backs.

Amorim’s Tactical Considerations

Amorim’s preference for a dynamic 3-4-3 or 3-4-2-1 system means that wing-backs must be both defensively astute and potent in attack. Dorgu fits this mould perfectly, having already played as a left-sided wing-back. His arrival would bring much-needed balance to a United side struggling at 13th in the Premier League.

Diogo Dalot has been shoehorned into the left flank despite being right-footed, while Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw continue to battle injury setbacks. Reinforcing this position is essential, but United’s financial caution this window means they must carefully weigh their options.

United’s previous heavy spending—including Leny Yoro (£58.9m) and Matthijs de Ligt (£42.9m)—has left Ineos looking to offload high-wage players like Antony and Marcus Rashford before making significant moves.

Will United Get Their Man?

Time is running out, and United must act swiftly. Chelsea have previously expressed interest, and Dorgu himself has admitted that playing for the Blues would be a “dream.” If United hesitate, they risk losing out to a rival with a more aggressive recruitment approach.

Amorim’s system relies on high-performing wing-backs, as seen during his success at Sporting Lisbon. United fans may remember when his side shocked Manchester City with a 4-1 victory in the Champions League earlier this season, exploiting width to devastating effect.

The need for reinforcements is evident, and if United are serious about returning to contention, they must secure their targets decisively.

Our View – EPL Index Analysis

United fans find themselves in an all-too-familiar situation. A club with vast resources but seemingly stuck in prolonged negotiations while rivals move swiftly. Lecce know exactly what they’re doing, inflating Dorgu’s price knowing United’s desperation.

There is excitement about what Amorim brings, but there is also scepticism regarding whether United can provide him with the tools needed for success. Their left-back situation has been in limbo for too long, and while Fernandez is a fallback option, he was sold for a reason.

Should United fail to sign Dorgu, it won’t just be a loss on the pitch but another dent in their reputation in the transfer market. Their rivals are watching, their fans are growing impatient, and a decision must be made—quickly.