President of Lecce, Saverio Sticchi Damiani, has expressed deep satisfaction and pride towards a transfer that led to Patrick Dorgu joining Manchester United in 2024.
There is still debate surrounding Manchester United’s options at wing-back.
One of the first decisions Ruben Amorim made after becoming United’s head coach was signing a left wing-back.
United signed Patrick Dorgu from Lecce in a deal worth £25.2 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons. The 21-year-old made 12 appearances in the Premier League ahead of the 2025/26 campaign, but he remains a work in progress for the future due to his young age and promise.
Amorim appears set on his preferred duo for the wing-back roles, with Amad Diallo operating on the right flank and Diogo Dalot shoehorned in on the left side.
It remains an area that needs to improve if United are to challenge for Premier League titles in the future.
Patrick Dorgu and Senne Lammens
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Sticchi Damiani proud of Patrick Dorgu transfer
Dorgu arrived at United almost a year ago, but he already has 35 appearances for the club under his belt.
The jury is still out over whether the Denmark international will become a star at left wing-back for United, but Amorim has used him as a substitute in games he hasn’t started.
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That said, Dorgu has started seven league games this season, which suggests he is an important part of the coach’s plans.
However, before Dorgu signed for United, the young defender emerged at Serie A outfit Lecce and became a regular in the team at a young age.
In a new interview with Tuttomercatoweb, Lecce president Sticchi Damiani explains how Dorgu’s transfer epitomises the model he has built at the Italian club.
Damiani spoke about two deals that he is proud of playing a role in at Lecce, including Dorgu.
“[Samuel] Umtiti was an extraordinary operation, a world champion who gave a lot to our club, but that of Dorgu represents the Lecce model 360,” Damiani explained.
“Taken from the youth sector of a Danish team, he spent a year in the Primavera and half a season in Serie A, and then was sold to Manchester United for €38 million.
“It is a symbol of the quality of our club. And doing business with Manchester United is an additional source of pride.”
Ruben Amorim on Patrick Dorgu
“You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety.”
Ruben Amorim
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Only time will tell if United will make any signings this January.
Dorgu wasn’t the only player brought in during the winter transfer window last year. A pre-agreement was reached to sign Diego Leon from Cerro Porteno, while Ayden Heaven arrived from Arsenal.
Ruben Amorim aware of Patrick Dorgu struggles
United are patient with Dorgu due to his age and promise.
In recent weeks, Amorim acknowledged that Dorgu was having to deal with some of the extra pressures that come with playing for United.
Is Harry Amass ready for a new challenge in January?😳
This performance against Watford suggests he is finding the Championship very comfortable right now…
Harry Amass graphic
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Amorim claimed he could sense nervousness from the wing-back and urged him to try to play more calmly.
“He needs to be calmer playing the game,” Amorim said, as quoted by ESPN.
“You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel the anxiety. You remember the shot against Everton.
“That was easier than the decision he had to make [playing for Denmark] against Scotland.
“He made a great decision, and I saw it when he played in Italy. But here it is different, and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve.”
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