MX23RW : Tuesday, January 21 12:25:03| >> :120:5622:5622:

Man United 'identify' teenage defender as perfect Luke Shaw replacement

Shaw replacement: Man United 'keeping tabs' on highly-rated 19-year-old
© Imago
Manchester United are allegedly monitoring the development of Patrick Dorgu ahead of a potential move for the Lecce left-back.

Manchester United are reportedly monitoring the development of Patrick Dorgu ahead of a potential move for the Lecce left-back during next summer's transfer window.

The 19-year-old was promoted to Lecce's senior squad for the 2023-24 campaign, and he enjoyed a strong season for the Italian side, making 34 appearances in all competitions, scoring twice and registering one assist in the process.

Dorgu has also been a vital player for his Serie A team in the early stages of this campaign, making four appearances.

The defender was handed his Denmark debut against Switzerland on Thursday, meanwhile, and he capped his first appearance with a goal off the bench.

According to HITC, Man United are keeping a close eye on the teenager, while Tottenham Hotspur are also believed to be admirers.

Patrick Dorgu of US Lecce during US Lecce vs AC Monza on July 20, 2024© Imago

Man United 'keeping tabs' on Dorgu

Dorgu has a contract with Lecce until June 2027, but the Italian side will find it difficult to keep hold of him on a long-term basis due to the growing interest.

As well as Man United and Tottenham, Atletico Madrid, Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich are all said to be keen on the defender.

"It's a super nice feeling. It couldn't be much better," Dorgu told TV2 Sport after making his Denmark debut in the UEFA Nations League. "It was better than I expected. I didn't expect to score, so it was nice. I don't think I'm going to forget the match any time soon!"

Manchester United head coach Erik ten Hag on August 3, 2024© Imago

What is the left-back situation at Man United?

Man United had severe issues at left-back last season, with Tyrell Malacia missing the entire campaign due to a serious knee injury which has required two operations.

Malacia remains out of action, while Luke Shaw has also been absent in the early stages of the campaign due to a calf issue.

Shaw struggled with muscular injuries last season, and although the England international could be back against Southampton next weekend, there are concerns when it comes to his long-term fitness.

Diogo Dalot has been operating in that area in the early stages of the season, while new signing Noussair Mazraoui is also capable of featuring as a left-back.

Man United are said to want a long-term specialist at left-back, though, so it would not be a surprise to see the club move for Dorgu in 2025.

Harry Amass, 17, is also an option, but the ex-Watford youngster, who impressed on Man United's pre-season tour of the United States, is yet to make his senior debut.

ID:552474:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:collect5352:
Written by
Matt Law

Click here for more stories about Patrick Dorgu

Click here for more stories about Manchester United

Collect / Create New Data
Share this article now:
Juventus defender Juan Cabal on September 1, 2024
Read Next:
Shaw replacement? Man United 'actively scouting' 23-year-old left-back
>
Sports Mole Logo
Enter your email address to subscribe to Sports Mole's free daily transfer newsletter! Sent twice a day during the transfer window.
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
Tables header RHS
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool21155150203050
2Arsenal22128243212244
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest22135433221144
4Chelsea22117444271740
5Manchester CityMan City22115644291538
6Newcastle UnitedNewcastle22115638261238
7Bournemouth22107536261037
8Aston Villa2210663334-136
9Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2281043530534
10Fulham228953430433
11Brentford2284104039128
12Crystal Palace226972528-327
13Manchester UnitedMan Utd2275102732-526
14West Ham UnitedWest Ham2275102743-1626
15Tottenham HotspurSpurs22731245351024
16Everton214891828-1020
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves2244143251-1916
18Ipswich TownIpswich2237122043-2316
19Leicester CityLeicester2235142348-2514
20Southampton2213181550-356


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!