Lecce president Sticchi Damiani has been speaking with Italian media about Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu’s move to Manchester United 11 months ago.
Manchester United are sixth in the Premier League after 15 matches and sit only six points behind Manchester City in second place.
Rúben Amorim’s team have squandered avoidable points, yet the improvement from last season’s poor campaign is clear.
Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu became Amorim’s first major signing in January 2025, and he arrived during a challenging period at Old Trafford.
The 21-year-old has demonstrated impressive physical attributes, although there are still doubts over whether he can elevate his game and fully excel as a wingback in Amorim’s system.
Dorgu’s move a source of price for Lecce
Dorgu signed for United from Leece after making 57 appearances for their senior side, with United’s scouting team seeing his raw abilities as ideal traits for a left wing-back. While this remains in question, the Serie A side have no doubt about their pride surrounding the transfer.
In a recent interview with Tuttomercatoweb, Lecce president Sticchi Damiani discussed the transfer deals he was most proud of during his tenure with the club.
“[Samuel] Umtiti was an extraordinary operation, a world champion who gave a lot to our club, but that of Dorgu represents the Lecce model 360,” Damiani explained.
“Taken from the youth sector of a Danish team, he spent a year in the Primavera and half a season in Serie A, and then was sold to Manchester United for €38 million. It is a symbol of the quality of our club. And doing business with Manchester United is an additional source of pride.”
Amorim feels Dorgu needs to release his anxiety
A consistent criticism of Dorgu since the player joined United almost 12 months ago has been that, while he has often found himself in fantastic attacking positions, the young star takes too long to make a decision in the final third.
Speaking recently, Amorim explained he feels Dorgu, along with a few others in his squad, are suffering from feeling too much anxiety in attack.
“When I see them training they are doing so much better than in games,” he said.
“Then Patrick, when I see him playing for the national team, he’s scored a great goal against Scotland, the decision that he made under pressure was completely different to the decision he’s making in our team. You can feel the anxiety every time Patrick touches the ball. I can feel it, the anxiety.
“I remember the shot against Everton. That was easier than the decision that he had to make [vs] Scotland – and I saw when he played in Italy. But again, here is different and sometimes the pressure is hard for them in the beginning, but he has time to improve.
“I just need to understand the context in trying to help them. They are far from their best, and they know it. Like a lot of players in our team, like myself. I just look at them, and think they have so much more to give. So let’s see this week if we can improve that.”
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