Man Utd get 'go-ahead' for Bayern striker on the back of Patrick Dorgu 'agreement'

Manchester United have just one Europa League league-phase fixture remaining before shifting focus to the knockout rounds.

The Red Devils will take on Steaua Bucharest on Thursday night, aiming to secure a spot in the top eight of the competition.

United currently sit fourth in the standings and could finish as high as second if results go their way.

However, they are not yet guaranteed a place in the next round, as a drop outside the top eight would force them into a play-off.

A win against Bucharest would ensure direct qualification to the last-16, avoiding the added challenge of the play-off round.

By the time the knockout stage begins, manager Ruben Amorim could have reinforcements in his squad, with the January transfer window open until Monday.

United are in advanced talks to sign Lecce defender Patrick Dorgu, who could become Amorim’s first signing at Old Trafford.

The Manchester Evening News reported that discussions remain ongoing, with United keen to finalize the deal before the transfer deadline.

Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that a verbal agreement has been reached, with United set to pay €30 million (£25m) plus €5m (£4.2m) in add-ons for the highly-rated Danish full-back.

Dorgu may not be the only new arrival, as Bayern Munich striker Mathys Tel has emerged as a potential target.

According to Sky Germany’s Florian Plettenberg, United are monitoring Tel’s situation, but a move would only be considered if either Alejandro Garnacho or Marcus Rashford were to leave before the deadline.

Garnacho has been linked with a January exit, with Chelsea and Napoli reportedly interested, while Rashford’s future remains uncertain following his rift with Amorim.

If United secure deals for Dorgu and Tel, both players will be eligible for the Europa League squad in the knockout rounds.

UEFA regulations state that clubs can only register new signings after the league phase has concluded, meaning any early January arrivals would have had to wait before featuring in Europe.

With United still battling on multiple fronts, Amorim will be hoping for a strong finish in the Europa League group stage while finalizing squad reinforcements before the transfer window slams shut.