Manchester United engage in club-to-club talks, transfer could be finalised ‘this week’

Manchester United could have their first signing under Rúben Amorim through the doors of Old Trafford this week as the club enter the final weeks of the winter window.

Manchester United are targeting a new left wing-back for Rúben Amorim during the January transfer window, as defensive shortcomings continue to plague the team.

Under Amorim’s management, United’s backline has struggled, with defending set pieces emerging as a persistent weakness. Addressing these issues has become a top priority, with the left-back position in particular requiring urgent reinforcement.

Luke Shaw, United’s first-choice left-back for several years, has faced repeated injury problems since suffering a devastating double leg fracture in a Champions League match against PSV Eindhoven in 2015.

Tyrell Malacia, Shaw’s understudy, has also endured a difficult spell, recently returning from a gruelling 17-month layoff after undergoing multiple surgeries for a severe knee injury.

In the meantime, Diogo Dalot has been covering on the left, though Amorim has admitted the Portuguese defender is far more effective in his natural role on the right-hand side.

United engaging in direct talks for Dorgu

One man who has been linked with United in the last week is Lecce left-back Patrick Dorgu, who is thought to be regarded highly by Amorim’s club.

United were first linked to Dorgu through Italian transfer specialist Fabrizio Romano, with the Denmark international one of multiple options on the list.

A new update from Corriere dello Sport has now revealed that the club are engaging in direct talks with Serie A side Lecce for the Danish Young Player of the Year.

Further, the report states that a deal could well be finalised this week that would see Dorgu depart Italy and head to Manchester.

Although not outlined in the article, United will likely accelerate with plans to bring in a new player once Antony’s loan move to Real Betis is finalied.

A left-back is just step one

Although left wing-back is a glaring problem at United, signing a new player to cover in the position is just step one of a multi-stage rebuild that will take time.

Amorim has clearly explained that, for the remainder of this season, United will be hectic, disorganised, and unable to properly execute a series of good results, but a natural left wing-back will help this.

However, the club will also need to bring in at least two new midfielders, a new striker, and quite possibly a new left-sided forward if Alejandro Garnacho and Marcus Rashford leave in the coming weeks or months.

While January will not solve all of United’s issues, signing one or two players in positions that require much-needed refreshing would go a long way to stabilise the side until the end of the season.

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