The latest Manchester United player news as fresh details reveal how close Patrick Dorgu was to not joining Manchester United
Patrick Dorgu joined Manchester United last season(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
Patrick Dorgu was close to joining Napoli earlier this year before Manchester United swooped in with an offer Lecce “couldn’t refuse.”
The Danish defender arrived at Old Trafford in February in a deal worth £25.2m plus £4.2m in add-ons. It was Ruben Amorim’s first major signing since replacing Erik ten Hag three months earlier.
The 20-year-old’s arrival was seen as the clearest indication yet that Amorim intended to stick with his favoured three-at-the-back system, with Dorgu slotting in naturally at left wing-back.
But United weren’t the only club in the race. Serie A champions Napoli were close to completing a deal for the defender, according to Lecce technical director Pantaleo Corvino.
Speaking to Kiss Kiss Napoli as per TuttoMercatoWeb, Corvino said: “Dorgu was close to joining Napoli. Before Manchester United, we had several discussions with a few clubs, then the Red Devils presented us with the best option with a significant offer.
Patrick Dorgu recieved a red card on his Premier League debut(Image: Getty Images)
“His entourage also pushed us towards this high-profile team, but above all, the offer was such that Lecce couldn’t refuse it.”
United’s £30m package ties Dorgu to Old Trafford until 2030, with the option of a further year. Had Amorim’s side not tabled their bid, Napoli were expected to make their own push to land the young Danish international.
Dorgu’s early days at United were far from straightforward, with the 20-year-old sent off just 43 minutes into his Premier League debut. But he has quickly recovered and is now regarded as one of Amorim’s top players.
The defender has featured in all but one of United’s matches in all competitions this season, only missing out when he was named on the bench for the 3-2 win over Burnley.
And despite scrutiny over Amorim’s tactics, Dorgu has publicly backed his manager. Speaking last month, he said: “Everyone has a point to prove this season. We need to get back to Europe, so we need to stick together, be happy and positive and try to do what the coach asks.”
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