Manchester United had a fairly busy January transfer window. The Red Devils made a couple of deals, along with some major outgoings. The biggest departure was that of United academy graduate Marcus Rashford, who left on loan to join Aston Villa until the end of the season.
Brazilian winger Antony also made a temporary switch to La Liga side Real Betis, and Tyrell Malacia joined Dutch outfit PSV Eindhoven on loan. There were also loan moves for several academy players, including Ethan Wheatley.
In terms of incomings, United made two signings. Ayden Heaven joined the club from Arsenal on a free transfer, and left wing-back Patrick Dorgu also made the switch to Old Trafford.
Dorgu's time at United so far
Red Devils boss Ruben Amorim addressed a key issue in his side by signing Dorgu. The Dane signed from Serie A strugglers Lecce for a fee of £25m upfront with a further £4.1m in potential add-ons.
The Denmark international was signed to help add depth at left wing-back, an area of United’s squad which clearly needed strengthening. With Luke Shaw out injured and the plan for Malacia to leave on loan, Diogo Dalot was the only option Amorim had on that flank.
It is fair to say that Dorgu has made a strong impression during his short United career so far. He has made four appearances, and was described as “a very promising player” after his impressive performance against Everton last weekend.
Frustratingly, the young Dane was sent off against Ipswich Town in his most recent Premier League clash for a dangerous challenge, which was deemed worthy of a red after a VAR review. Aside from that, he has been excellent in a United shirt so far.
Dorgu clearly has excellent potential, and will surely only get better under Amorim. However, he may not be the only talented left wing-back the club will soon have at their disposal.
The talented youngster who can rival Dorgu
Over the decades, United have been all about giving young stars a chance to prove what they can do in that famous red shirt. The next young player who could be in line to showcase his talent is Diego Leon.
The 17-year-old is a Paraguayan left-back who, according to BBC Sport, had a medical with the club in January. He seems set to make a permanent switch to Old Trafford in the summer from Paraguayan side Cerro Porteno, having progressed through their academy ranks.
Last season, the 17-year-old became a key player for the club. He made 19 appearances in the Primera Division Clausura from left-back, completing 90 minutes on 15 occasions. He even managed to get himself on the scoresheet twice.
Already, Leon has made a quick start to the new season in Paraguay. He scored the first goal, a key equaliser, in Cerro Porteno’s 3-1 Copa Libertadores win over Monagas SC. If there were any doubts about Leon’s suitability for playing as a wing-back in Amoirm’s backline, perhaps his goal threat will help to settle them.
Described as an “explosive” player by football analyst Nicolas, Leon’s stats on Sofascore highlight some of his key strengths. For example, he created nine chances last season and made 45 tackles and interceptions.
In contrast, as per Sofascore, Dorgu created 20 chances and made 68 tackles and interceptions this season for Lecce in four more games.
Stat
Diego Leon
Patrick Dorgu
Key passes
9
20
Dribbles completed
18
17
Pass accuracy
71.5%
83.8%
Aerial duels won
21
29
Tackles and interceptions
45
68
It certainly seems like Leon is a player for United fans to get excited about. The 17-year-old no doubt has a lot to learn in the professional game, but he is clearly a talented youngster who is already impressing in senior football.
Whilst Dorgu has made the left wing-back spot his own for now, perhaps further down the line, Leon could begin challenging him for a spot in the side should he become part of the United first-team squad.
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