Manchester United are believed to be closing in on a statement signing

Manchester United-linked defender Patrick Dorgu has now reportedly agreed personal terms with the Red Devils as he edges closer to an exciting move to Old Trafford this month.

The 13-time Premier League winners are in the market for a left-sided wing-back to allow Ruben Amorim the opportunity to successfully implement his 3-4-2-1 system at Old Trafford after an inconsistent start to the Portuguese coaches reign in charge. Amorim was renowned for playing with wing-backs throughout his successful spells at Sporting and Braga, and believes that this philosophy offers United the best chance of achieving success in years to come after a difficult period.

Dorgu is understood to be Ruben Amorim’s priority transfer target this month, despite earlier rumours in the window linking the club with Paris Saint-Germain full-back Nuno Mendes, Crystal Palace ace Tyrick Mitchell and Wolves star Rayan Ait-Nouri.

United currently have England international Luke Shaw and Netherlands footballer Tyrell Malacia competing for a starting place at left-back, but both have struggled for fitness throughout the last 24 months. Summer signing Noussair Mazaroui and Diogo Dalot, both primarily right-backs, have often been forced to play on their weaker side due to the lack of cover that United have in the left-back area.

Manchester United close in on Patrick Dorgu

Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano reports that the Red Devils are preparing a new and improved offer for Lecce starlet Patrick Dorgu after their previous bid of around £25m was rejected by the Serie A side.

The Italian sports journalist understands Leece are seeking a figure of around €40m (£33m) to part ways with the 20-year-old Denmark international and believes United’s new and improved offer should be close to meeting that valuation. Dorgu has bee in tremendous form this season with three goals and one assist in 21 appearances and is also attracting great interest from Serie A title contenders Napoli.

Romano posted on X: “Manchester United are set to approach Lecce again early this week for Patrick Dorgu. Add-ons will be key part of the final proposal to get closer to Lecce’s request (€40m price tag).Dorgu has already agreed terms with Manchester United, Napoli are keen on summer move.”

Marcus Rashford sends message after latest Ruben Amorim snub

Meanwhile, United forward Marcus Rashford was once again left on the sidelines as he watched his team earn a scrappy 1-0 victory away against Fulham at Craven Cottage. Heading into the game, after dropping Rashford from the line-up for the 11th consecutive match, Ruben Amorim told reporters that nothing had changed regarding Rashford’s conduct in training.

In his latest scathing attack on the 60-time England international, he said: "It's always the same reason: the training, the way I see a footballer should do in life. It's every day, every detail. "If things don't change, I will not change. It's the same situation for every player, if you do the maximum and right things we can use every player.

"You can see on the bench we miss a bit of pace on the bench. But I would put [Man Utd goalkeeper coach Jorge] Vital before a player who doesn't give the maximum every day."

Rashford watched on from the sidelines as speculation continues to escalate regard his future. After the victory, he posted on Instagram: "Congratulations on the win," followed by the raising hands emoji.