Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has described Patrick Dorgu as a potential new signing and believes the Dane has the credentials to play as a left-back.
The Red Devils were fancied to sign a left-back during the recent transfer window. They were widely linked with Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall, but nothing materialised.
Manchester City ace Rayan Ait-Nouri emerged as a target on transfer deadline day, but there was not sufficient time to discuss a potential package for the Algerian.
In the end, United could not find a fresh solution on the left side of the defence, which means Carrick may have to find an alternative within the squad when Luke Shaw needs rest.
Speaking in a press conference before the Premier League trip to Everton, Carrick acknowledged that Dorgu can certainly play there and he is almost ‘like a new signing’, given he was largely injured earlier this year.
The 45-year-old added that the Denmark international may have to play as a left-back at some point this campaign, and he has no qualms about his ability to do so.
He told reporters (via Manutd.com): “He can certainly play there. He has done, without doubt. I’m not sitting here saying he can’t do that. It’s just the way we’ve been since I’ve been here. He actually has been injured, unfortunately, for some time.
“So, you could almost argue – you know, what had he played, three or four times for us last season? So, for me, he’s almost like a new player to have and is almost like a new signing in some ways because he’s added so much to the group and again, that group where he can play.
“He’s played off the right for Denmark, scored a great goal in the summer, playing off the right in a forward position. He can play left-back. We just haven’t had to explore that. At some point we might have to. At some point he might do that. He can do that, absolutely no problem.”
Dorgu was signed as a defensive solution by United
The 21-year-old was signed from Lecce in January last year as a left wing-back. Dorgu largely played in that role under former manager Ruben Amorim until Boxing Day, when he made a surprise start as a right winger against Newcastle. He capitalised on the moment with a stunning volleyed winner.
The £25 million signing went on to shine for the Red Devils as a left winger in January before an untimely hamstring injury. He has continued as a wide attacking player under Carrick, but that could change at some point this term, given Shaw’s injury record and the extra workload with European football.
Shaw stayed unscathed throughout the previous season and started every league game. However, the left-back may need to be handled with caution, given the Red Devils could potentially play 20 or more matches this campaign if they go deep in the Cup and European competitions.
Looking at the immediate left-back alternatives, Dorgu should be a front-runner to take up the role unless Carrick utilises Diogo Dalot or Noussair Mazraoui as a makeshift option. Harry Amass has not yet fully convinced the manager, but he is another specialist option from the academy.
Stats from Transfermarkt.com
