Michael Carrick has confirmed the answer to a question he's been avoiding at Manchester United: Patrick Dorgu is viewed as a winger, not a defender. The United boss had previously declined to "pigeonhole" Dorgu, but pre-season has provided conclusive evidence.
Pre-Season Evidence Points to Attacking Role
Dorgu started on the left wing against Leeds at Croke Park on Wednesday, extending his run of appearances as an attacking player under Carrick. While United's club website has listed Dorgu in the 'defenders' section for travelling squads and he has trained with the defensive unit, matchday selections have been decisive. Dorgu missed part of last season through injury but exclusively played on the wing in the Premier League when available.
Carrick has continued to use Dorgu as an attacker this summer, confirming his permanent position. Ironically, against Leeds in Dublin, Dorgu looked more like a left-back at times. He started a move from a left-back area, showing composure under pressure from three Leeds players to release Bryan Mbeumo, who set up Joshua Zirkzee's opening goal.
Dorgu's Attacking Potential and Areas to Improve
In the first half, Dorgu used his athleticism to get into promising attacking positions, but his final ball was lacking, with crosses easily gathered or cleared. The 21-year-old needs to improve his crossing to become a more effective winger. As it stands, Marcus Rashford will feel confident of being ahead of him on the left, assuming he remains at United.
Dorgu is a diligent player, putting in extra work after training sessions at Carrington to improve. Speaking to the Manchester Evening News after the Brighton win on the final day of last season, where he started as a winger and scored, Dorgu said: "I need to ask the coach. I don't know. I still have a lot to learn in that role. I lost the ball a few times in the first half today, so I still need to improve. But obviously I'm further forward to the goal, and I can get into positions for the opportunity. I still need to work on my finishing. I could have scored a couple more today, but yes, I enjoy playing there, and I can use my speed and my physique a lot in those areas as well."
Carrick's continued selection of Dorgu as an attacker throughout the summer has confirmed where he sees the player's long-term future.
