Manchester United’s latest social media post posed a simple question with layered meaning: winger or defender? It was a nod to Patrick Dorgu’s growing influence and versatility since his arrival from Lecce in early 2025.
Signed for a fee that could rise to €35 million, the 21-year-old Dane has quickly become one of United’s most intriguing profiles, blending physical power with attacking intent.
His development has also mirrored United’s gradual upturn in results, including key contributions referenced in recent SoftFootball coverage of United’s win against Manchester City, where Dorgu was involved in the move that sealed the three points.
Dorgu’s journey at Old Trafford has not been straightforward. Early performances saw him struggle for composure, especially when deployed strictly as a left-back. That narrative began to change after a tactical tweak under Ruben Amorim, who pushed him higher up the pitch.
The shift unlocked Dorgu’s strengths, as seen again in United’s frustrating draw with Burnley, where his cross directly led to a goal and underlined his attacking value from wide areas. A defining moment came on Boxing Day 2025, when injuries forced Amorim to start Dorgu on the right wing against Newcastle. He not only adapted but decided the match.
Reflecting on that adjustment in a video shared on the club’s official X account, Dorgu explained how natural the role felt to him.
He said:
I’ve done that at my old team as well, so it’s nothing new to me… It’s the same as wing-back, just you come inside to your stronger foot, so sometimes it’s even easier to attack and connect with the teammates, so I find it really easy.
Since Christmas, his numbers have backed up the eye test. He ranks among the league leaders for chances created and combined shots and chances, while also excelling defensively. His duel success and ball recoveries highlight that he has not abandoned his roots.
Watch the video below:
As he puts it:
Even if I’m playing as a winger, I will still always do the defensive job because I’ve been a defender before.
When asked directly where he sees himself, Dorgu offered an honest answer that captures his appeal:
Probably in between, I like to get in the box, I like to score goals, I like to get assists, so obviously I like to help my team defend as well.
For Manchester United, that balance may be exactly what makes him indispensable.
