Patrick Dorgu has admitted he would prefer to settle into one position at Manchester United after continuing to move between left-back and left wing under Michael Carrick.
The 21-year-old has featured six times for Manchester United in all competitions this season, with three appearances coming at left-back and three on the left side of attack.
Patrick Dorgu has become accustomed to that kind of role since arriving at Old Trafford. Across his 54 appearances for the club, he has played mainly on the left but has also been used further forward and even on the right.
That versatility remains an asset, but Dorgu believes having a regular position would make it easier for him to develop certain parts of his game.
“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 Tipsbladet.
Dorgu explains his preferred Manchester United role
While Dorgu is open to playing wherever Michael Carrick needs him, he admitted that left-back still feels like the most natural role.
“I just want to be on the pitch, regardless of the position,” he said. “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.”
The Denmark international faces plenty of competition for minutes, with Matheus Cunha, Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw all competing for roles on the left side of the team.
Manchester United have competition for places
Dorgu knows the situation makes it difficult to secure a guaranteed place, but he also sees the competition as a chance to improve.
“There is stiff competition for places from talented players,” he said.
“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 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.”
Rather than viewing the competition negatively, Dorgu believes it can push him forward.
“It’s a challenge, but competing against such good players is also what can make me a better footballer,” he added. “I can learn from them, and when I get the chance, I need to show the coach that he can rely on me.”
Patrick Dorgu appears willing to continue wherever he is needed, even though his preference is clear. The next step is convincing Carrick that he deserves a regular starting role.
