Manchester United’s January transfer window received its first concrete link recently with the talks ongoing for Patrick Dorgu.

Patrick Dorgu’s transfer, if completed, solves Man Utd’s recurring problem of a lack of a dynamic left-back and does so with a long-term view, with the player just 20.

Ruben Amorim will no longer have to compromise between an attack-minded player there at the cost of defensive solidity or vice versa, as Dorgu’s footballing idol and playing style make clear.

Furthermore, it looks like Dorgu will instantly be a fan favourite if he walks through the door at Old Trafford because sealing his transfer will have positive ramifications off the pitch as well.

Patrick Dorgu transfer, story off the pitch
As a dynamic, left-footed youngster, Dorgu is already perfect for what Amorim demands from his wing-backs in his 3-4-2-1 so he’s an exciting signing.

That is all about his potential impact on the pitch, which also needs to be managed a bit since he’s just 20 but his story off the pitch will get him off to a good start.

There’s no better way for a player to endear himself to Man Utd fans before he’s kicked a ball than by rejecting the advances of a rival club.

That is precisely what Dorgu would be doing if he joins Man Utd, having been linked to Liverpool in this window as their long-term replacement for Andy Robertson.

Italian outlet Solo Lecce reported that Dorgu is their “top target” to replace Robertson, with the team ready to make him Lecce’s all-time top transfer, something which United are happy to do as well.

Liverpool sent scouts to watch him on four occasions and came away extremely impressed, reportedly all set to make a move for him in January or the coming summer.

Not if United have their way…

Man Utd will need to be patient with Dorgu
If Dorgu joins, he will immediately be a fan favourite due to this story but the expectations surrounding his impact on the pitch will need to be managed a bit.

At 20 and with just one full season of being a left-back in a top-five league, he shouldn’t be expected to come in and solve United’s issues immediately.

He will undoubtedly bring a skill set missing from the current Man Utd squad and is an upgrade for that alone, but just like Amorim has treated Leny Yoro, Dorgu will probably be the same.

Expect Noussair Mazraoui and Diogo Dalot to still be the first-choice pairing as Dorgu drip-fed into the team this season which is effectively a write-off except in the Europa League.

From there, he should be unleashed next season after a pre-season with Amorim. Now to sign him first!