Dorgu makes position preference clear as Carrick juggles options at Man Utd

Patrick Dorgu has made no secret of his positional preference at Manchester United, telling Danish outlet Tipsbladet that left-back feels most natural to him — even as manager Michael Carrick has regularly deployed the 21-year-old further forward this season.

Dorgu joined United from Italian club Lecce as a left-back, but has spent much of Carrick’s tenure operating on the left wing. With Luke Shaw sidelined through injury in recent weeks, Dorgu has been shifted back to his preferred defensive role, and the experience appears to have reinforced where he sees his future.

“I’d prefer to have one fixed position. It makes things easier to work on during training. But many players today can play multiple positions,” Dorgu said. “I just want to be on the pitch, regardless of the position. I started my professional career as a left-back, so that feels most natural to me, but I can also play the attacking roles I do at United.”

Despite the positional uncertainty, Dorgu has contributed two assists across six appearances this season. United’s form as a whole, however, has been underwhelming — the club have won just one of their opening five Premier League matches.

The competition for Dorgu’s preferred position is considerable. Shaw, when fit, has been at Old Trafford for 12 years, while Marcus Rashford has returned from a loan spell at Barcelona in form, and Matheus Cunha impressed during the months Dorgu was injured.

“There is stiff competition for places from talented players,” Dorgu acknowledged. “It’s a challenge, but competing against such good players is also what can make me a better footballer. I can learn from them, and when I get the chance, I need to show the coach that he can rely on me.”

Dorgu is currently away on international duty with Denmark, who face Norway, Wales (twice) and Portugal during the break. He returns to club football with 54 United appearances and four goals to his name, and a home fixture against fellow early-season strugglers Tottenham Hotspur the first task on his return.