Patrick Dorgu’s “perfect” Manchester United shirt number revealed amid potential loan exit

The “perfect” shirt number for Patrick Dorgu has been revealed as one Manchester United start closes in on a potential loan exit before transfer deadline day.

Manchester United are set to sign Patrick Dorgu from Serie A club Lecce in a transfer reported to sit at around £24 million with a further £4.2 million in add-ons.

Dorgu joins Rúben Amorim’s side as the new first-choice left wing-back after multiple players have failed to lock down the position for themselves.

Both Diogo Dalot and Tyrell Malacia have had stints in the position, while Noussair Mazraoui was recently handed a chance on the left.

However, after a 17-month injury, Malacia is clearly not a first choice, while Mazraoui and Dalot are both much more suited to the right, leaving Dorgu as the most obvious option heading forward.

Dorgu’s perfect shirt number

Dorgu is set to fly to Manchester on either Wednesday or Thursday to undergo his medical and complete his move following an agreement between the two clubs earlier this week.

While the move is not yet official, there are likely not going to be any other complications that could scupper the deal, with fans now assessing what shirt number the 20-year-old is expected to take.

At Lecce, Dorgu wears the No. 13 shirt, and as explained by the Manchester Evening News, this is “perfect” as No. 13 is also one of the most prominent numbers currently available at the club.

The last man to wear the kit was third-choice goalkeeper Lee Grant, who departed in 2022. Other notable players who have donned the No. 13 kit are Ji-sung Park, Phil Neville, and Gary Neville.

Malacia may leave on loan

Dorgu’s arrival at United has also triggered the possible departure of Malacia, who agreed last week to leave the club on loan should a suitable offer arrive.

Read More: Leece star compares “incredible” Patrick Dorgu to world-class defender, Manchester United fans will be excited

According to a new report from Wednesday morning, Real Betis have enquired about bringing Malacia to La Liga for the remaining six months of the campaign.

Betis and United currently have a good working relationship, having finalised the loan move of Antony for the remaining six months of the season, with the Spanish side taking 84% of the Brazilian’s wages.

Malacia currently earns around £75,000 a week at United, and the club will be hoping that Betis will agree to a similar split of wages for the rest of the campaign.

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