Manchester United manager Michael Carrick applauds the fans at Old Trafford (Photo by Dan Mullan/Getty Images)
Michael Carrick has praised Patrick Dorgu, suggesting the defender could feel like a new addition to the squad.
The Denmark international has displayed genuine promise during his stint at Old Trafford, featuring in multiple positions effectively before succumbing to injury.
Having missed much of the previous season due to injury, Dorgu’s development was stalled, yet he now presents a viable option that Carrick welcomes back into the fold.
Michael Carrick on Patrick Dorgu at LB:
“He can certainly play there, he has done and I am not saying he can’t do that. The way we’ve worked since I’ve been here, he’s unfortunately been injured for some time.
For me he’s almost like a new player to have, like a new signing in… pic.twitter.com/uNdIXl1zP2
— utdreport (@utdreport) September 4, 2026
He is capable of playing left‑back, has done so before, and I am not ruling it out,” Carrick remarked.
Since I arrived, we have worked together, though he has been sidelined by injury for a period. To me, he feels almost like a new player, akin to a fresh signing, given the qualities he brings to the group.
He right‑back for Denmark and scored a notable goal this summer, capable of operating at left‑back as well. He can fulfil various roles; there may be occasions when he is asked to do so, and we have seen him do it in training.
Given his youth and skill set, we must endeavour to maximise his potential.
Patrick Dorgu over Luke Shaw?
Even if left‑back isn’t Dorgu’s primary position, he could see substantial minutes there, potentially outperforming Luke Shaw.
Manchester United might have benefited from additional left‑back cover during the summer transfer window, but instead opted to reinforce the midfield with the arrivals of Carlos Baleba, Youri Tielemans, and Andrey Santos.
Still, Dorgu’s return resembles the addition of a new signing; having been absent, he can now contribute across several positions.
If the 21‑year‑old secures regular playing time ahead of Shaw, he may establish himself as the long‑term first‑choice left‑back.