Patrick Dorgu has told Manchester United boss Michael Carrick he would rather play in defence, having been used in more advanced roles this season. The Danish international joined the club as a left-back from Lecce but has often been deployed further forward under Carrick.
With Luke Shaw injured, Dorgu has recently returned to his preferred position. The 21-year-old recognises he can also compete with Marcus Rashford on the left wing but is clear about where he feels most comfortable.
Dorgu on his best role
“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 told Danish outlet Tipsbladet.
“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.”
Dorgu has made six appearances for United this season, registering two assists. However, the team have won only one of their opening five Premier League matches.
Competition for places
Dorgu acknowledged the stiff competition at Old Trafford, referencing Shaw’s 12-year spell at the club and Rashford’s return from Barcelona, as well as Matheus Cunha’s form while Dorgu was injured.
“There is stiff competition for places from talented players. There’s a left-back (Shaw) who has been at United for 12 years. And then there’s Rashford, who has just returned from Barcelona, where he performed well. We also have [Matheus] Cunha, who performed well during the months I was injured. So, there are three really good players who have done well in the Premier League,” he said.
“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.”
International duty and upcoming fixtures
Dorgu is currently with Denmark for the first international break of the campaign, with matches against Norway, Wales twice and Portugal scheduled. After that, he will rejoin United for their next Premier League fixture at home to Tottenham Hotspur.
Since joining United, Dorgu has made 54 appearances and scored four goals.
