Michael Carrick believes Patrick Dorgu is an option at left-back after Manchester United did not strengthen in the position during the transfer window.United did consider a move to bring in Lewis Hall from Newcastle United and then opted to refrain from signing an alternative as they consider returning for the England international next summer.It means United go into the rest of the campaign with Luke Shaw as the only specialised senior left-back because of their decision not to sign someone. Harry Amass, 19, is another option after the teenager remained at the club this summer.However, Carrick believes Dorgu can operate in the position despite not yet playing him there and offers another alternative to the 31-year-old Shaw as United contend with Premier League and Champions League football.The Denmark international, 21, has started just four games under Carrick — mainly due to a hamstring injury he picked up last season in the United head coach’s second game in charge — and all have been as a left winger. Dorgu was signed when Ruben Amorim was the manager and the Portuguese was using him as a wing-back on both flanks.
“He can certainly play there,” Carrick said when asked if Dorgu can play left-back.“He has done, without doubt. I’m not sitting here saying he can’t do that. It’s just the way we’ve been since I’ve been here.“He actually has been injured, unfortunately, for some time. So, for me, he’s almost like a new player to have, and it’s almost like a new signing in some ways because he’s added so much to the group.“He’s played off the right for Denmark, scored a great goal in the summer playing off the right in a forward position. He can play left-back.”The Athletic’s Gameweek 3 predictionsElias BurkeCarrick said he is “largely pretty happy” with the squad’s balance after spending just over £160million ($216m) on Youri Tielemans, Carlos Baleba and Andrey Santos in midfield as well as teenage winger Tynan Thompson.“I think I’ve said it, we went in wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we’ve definitely added to that,” said the United head coach. “The situation is what it is, in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we’re trying to get the most of.“Certainly, the players that we’ve brought into the group, I’m delighted with, absolutely delighted with. I think we’ve done some really good business there for the quality and the level of player that we’ve got. I’m really, really happy with that.”United turned down a late loan bid from Everton, who United face on Sunday in the Premier League, on transfer deadline day for striker Joshua Zirzkee, which leaves the Netherlands international at the club until at least January.It was expected that he would leave given the 25-year-old forward has not played a minute of their opening games against Hull City and Ipswich Town.Zirkzee remained at United despite an offer from Everton (Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)However, United felt it was too late to sanction the move as they would not have time to bring in a replacement, who could be a backup to Benjamin Sesko.“Josh is important,” Carrick said. “I think again, it’s the team, the squad, the depth, the whole season.“Josh is happy here, you know, and I’ve a really good relationship with Josh anyway. What he wants is to play more than he has done, and that’s good, the competition and healthy competition for places.“A lot of games coming up, even in the next couple of weeks, you know? Josh can do some really, really top things.”
