Patrick Dorgu breaks silence on Man Utd move as 'perfect' shirt number that hasn't been worn since 2022 revealed

Patrick Dorgu has opened up on his decision to join Manchester United from Serie A side Leece in a deal worth £25.2 million plus £4.2 million in add-ons.

The 20-year-old Denmark international, who is the first arrival of Ruben Amorim's tenure as Manchester United head coach, has penned a five-and-a-half-year deal at Old Trafford.

He has enjoyed an impressive run in Marco Giampaolo's side this season, having attempted the fourth most take-ons of any defender in Italy's top division.

But after making a total of 57 appearances for Lecce, the left-back will be paraded on the Old Trafford pitch ahead of Sunday's Premier League clash against Crystal Palace.

“I am incredibly proud to be able to call myself a Manchester United player; this is a very special day for my whole family," Dorgu told the club's official website in his first interview.

Dorgu, who will join United's first-team group for training at Carrington next week, added: “I cannot wait to work with Ruben Amorim; his vision for this team and the future of the club is incredibly exciting.

"There is a clear plan set out for my development, and I feel that Manchester United is the perfect place to fulfil my potential and complete my huge ambitions.”

The highly-rated defender will also follow in the footsteps of former players Park Ji-sung, Brian McClair and John Curtis after being allocated the number 13 shirt – an unlucky digit for some – but not Dorgu.

The number 13 hasn't been worn by a United player since goalkeeper Lee Grant left the club in 2022.

Dorgu previously sported the no.13 during spells at FC Nordsjælland and Leece. He also played in it for Denmark but appeared in no.5 and no.15 as well for his country.

Image credit: Manchester United

According to SoloLecce, via Sport Witness, Dorgu will earn £1.6 million per year during his first four years at Old Trafford – therefore netting around £30,000 per week.

However, it is claimed that those terms will improve to £2.5 million per year (£50,000-a-week) for the final year of his deal.

Manchester United's technical director Jason Wilcox has opened up on the player's much-anticipated arrival.

"Patrick is a really exciting talent; his strong defensive and attacking attributes, adaptability and work-rate will make him a key part of Ruben Amorim’s squad," he said.

“Patrick has had a superb start to his career, and at the age of just 20, we know he will continue to develop under the guidance of our excellent coaching team.

“Patrick is the latest exciting young player that we have brought into the club. We believe that each of these talents has world-class potential and the ability to play a key role in achieving the success that everyone at Manchester United is striving for.”