Portuguese Club Chief Admits Shock Over Manchester United’s Sudden Offer for Star Player
A year after his high-profile switch to Manchester United, Patrick Dorgu remains a player who sparks debate among fans and analysts. The 21-year-old Danish winger has endured a mixed introduction to life at Old Trafford, blending frustrating spells with flashes of promise that hint at his long-term potential.
His first season has not been smooth, but recent outings suggest a clear improvement. Since being pushed into a more advanced, attack-focused role, Dorgu’s influence has grown, and his performances have started to reflect the qualities that convinced United to invest heavily in him.
Reflecting on the transfer, Lecce president Saverio Sticchi Damiani has admitted that the move came as a surprise to the Italian club. Lecce had no intention of selling one of their key players midway through the season, but Manchester United’s sudden and decisive approach changed the situation entirely. An offer worth €30 million, coupled with United’s insistence on completing the deal immediately, left the club with little room to maneuver.
Despite the size of the fee, Damiani has played down the sporting impact of Dorgu’s exit. He explained that at Lecce, the winger was often deployed on the right side, a position that did not fully bring out his strengths. As a result, the team was not seeing the best version of him, which made the decision to sell easier from a tactical perspective.
Lecce were also prepared for his departure. With Mattia Pierotti ready to take over, the club avoided major disruption, leading Damiani to describe Dorgu as “paradoxically replaceable” at that point in his development, even if his talent was never in doubt.
From Italy, Damiani has continued to monitor Dorgu’s progress and believes Manchester United are now starting to tap into what Lecce could not. He has praised the way the winger is being used higher up the pitch, noting that this shift has allowed his pace, direct running and confidence to shine. In his view, when Dorgu is given the freedom to attack, he can be a real nightmare for defenders.
That assessment is beginning to align with Dorgu’s displays under Ruben Amorim. Playing mainly on the right, he has grown more assertive and involved. Although a goal against Wolves was chalked off, his overall showing in that game was encouraging. He has also made telling contributions for his national side, underlining his increasing maturity.
His strike against Newcastle United stood out as a defining moment, showcasing his ability to deliver in high-pressure matches and reminding everyone why Manchester United were prepared to pay such a significant fee for him.
There are still question marks around consistency and how far he can go, but the recent signs are positive. If he continues to receive the right guidance and tactical backing, Patrick Dorgu’s difficult early months at Old Trafford could soon be remembered as the foundation for a genuine breakthrough.
