Manchester United have endured a challenging month on the pitch, but the arrival of Patrick Dorgu has offered a welcome boost off it.
The highly-rated 20-year-old Danish defender has joined from Lecce for an initial £25 million fee, marking Ruben Amorim’s most significant signing of the transfer window.
While Dorgu’s talent is undeniable, his lack of experience at the highest level makes the move a calculated risk.
However, Amorim has not only reinforced a crucial area of the squad, but the youngster’s shirt number is already evoking nostalgia among United fans.
Dorgu will wear the No.13 jersey, previously donned by Park Ji-Sung—one of Sir Alex Ferguson’s most underrated yet invaluable players between 2005 and 2012.
Park made 205 appearances for the club, scoring 27 goals, but his impact extended far beyond statistics.
His incredible work ethic, tactical intelligence, and versatility saw him thrive in multiple positions—ranging from midfield to both defensive and attacking roles—helping United secure four Premier League titles.
Ferguson himself acknowledged Park’s importance, famously admitting that leaving him out of the 2008 Champions League final squad was one of the hardest decisions of his career.
Similarly, Dorgu’s versatility could prove invaluable. Primarily a left-sided defender, he arrives at a time when United have struggled for stability in that position due to injuries to Tyrell Malacia and Luke Shaw.
Before making the switch to Old Trafford, he started every Serie A match for Lecce this season, showcasing his ability to play at left-back, right-back, and both wings under former manager Marco Giampaolo.
His relentless energy, adaptability, and durability further draw comparisons to Park, particularly in a season where United’s squad has been plagued by injuries—including the latest setback to Lisandro Martínez.
If Dorgu can replicate even a fraction of Park’s influence over a seven-year stint at Old Trafford, £25 million could prove to be an exceptional investment for United.
