“The coach told something which got me emotional before agreeing to join the club…I won’t fail him”: Manchester United’s new signing reveals what Amorim told him which got emotional before joining the club
New Manchester United signing Patrick Dorgu has revealed how the reputation and style of head coach Ruben Amorim convinced him to join the club.
Dorgu sealed a January move from Lecce for an initial £25m, topped up by add-ons, one of two mid-season defensive recruits alongside former Arsenal academy talent Ayden Heaven.
The 20-year-old Denmark international was rated one of Serie A’s brightest talents, moving to Italy from Danish club Nordsjaelland aged 17.
In his first interview with club media, Dorgu described Manchester United as a “huge club” and the “biggest in England”, before going on to express admiration for Amorim and his playing style.
“I’m really looking forward to working with the new manager, Ruben,” he revealed. “I feel this will suit me very well, so I’m excited to be here. I’ve heard only good stuff about him.”
There is an expectation that Dorgu will slot in as a left-sided wing-back in Amorim’s system, with Luke Shaw not yet back to full speed and Tyrell Malacia nearing a loan move to PSV Eindhoven. That will additionally free up Diogo Dalot to return his stronger side on the right flank.
Dorgu is also versatile enough to play on the right himself, fairly often occupying that position for Lecce so far this season. His arrival even means that Shaw, once match fit, or Noussair Mazraoui could function as a third centre-back to help offset Lisandro Martinez’s season-ending injury.
The player is backing himself as both a physically and mentally strong individual.
“I think I’m going to bring a lot of intensity and physique on the pitch,” he said. “A lot of energy and running.
“For me, [mindset] is the most important thing because there’s a lot of talk about and around football, and you really need to be strong outside of football as well.
“When I’ve been in Italy, I’ve lived alone. Of course, my family is visiting me a lot, but you need to be really good mentally to stay focused and being concentrated on football.”
