Patrick Dorgu has played in different positions for Man Utd over the last few weeks, but he has maintained a high level.
Michael Carrick does not want to “nail down” Patrick Dorgu to a permanent position, following improved performances from the Denmark international in a handful of different roles for Manchester United.
Dorgu started on the left wing against Manchester City last weekend. Carrick preferred Dorgu to Matheus Cunha, and the Dane vindicated the selection by scoring to extend United’s advantage in the second half. Ruben Amorim first moved Dorgu to play on the right wing against Newcastle on Boxing Day. He scored the matchwinner in that game, finding the back of the net with a volley from the edge of the box.
Dorgu has looked comfortable in advanced roles, despite having played at left wing-back for the majority of his time at the club. When Carrick was asked if Dorgu’s long-term future lies on the wing, he praised his quality in the final third, but admitted he did not want to nail him down to a specific position.
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“I think he can do both, to be honest,” Carrick said. “I think he was immense last week, his work rate and the way he played the position, but the threat, constant threat. And the goal was the obvious one but I think his general play was something we were really pleased about.
“I wouldn’t want to pin him down [to a position], to be honest. I think he can do both, but certainly attacking-wise in that threat, he was pretty impressive last week.”
The MEN revealed this week that Dorgu “does loads of extras” in training, with a source crediting him for working “really hard”. It’s understood there has been a focus on improving Dorgu’s crossing, with an emphasis on him perfecting his technique during training at Carrington.
United believe Dorgu’s hard work is paying off. The defender knew an opportunity to regain his starting role would emerge during the Africa Cup of Nations, and he’s contributed two goals and two assists in six games, representing his hottest run of form since his arrival from Lecce.
