Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Photo by Glyn KIRK / AFP via Getty Images
Michael Carrick has seemingly made up his mind about Patrick Dorgu, but it’s a stance that will hurt Manchester United.
Having played three pre-season games so far, some clear patterns are emerging as to how Michael Carrick intends to set his team up this season.
There’s more counter-pressing, a higher defensive line, more playing out from the back, and shoots of transition play still remain.
Patrick Dorgu has been at the centre of it all despite not scoring or assisting, but Carrick’s stance on him will eventually hurt Man Utd.
Manchester United Training Session
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
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Michael Carrick has clarity over Patrick Dorgu’s position
Despite Dorgu getting injured in just the second game under Carrick, away at Arsenal, the Dane has had a clear role under the Man Utd manager.
He has always played as an attacking player instead of full-back, and largely vindicated that decision with some crucial goals.
However, Dorgu’s role has seemingly changed this season, if the first three pre-season games are any indication.
Dorgu still starts as a winger, but he’s almost a defensive winger tasked with leading the press and stretching the defensive lines in possession.
He might still score the occasional goal due to his clean striking ability, but Carrick clearly values what he provides off the ball in that position.
That is why he has reportedly confirmed his position in his team as a left winger.
This seems like a case of not fixing what’s not broken, because both Dorgu and United look better when he plays further forward.
But what if there’s another level United are not reaching because everyone is happy with the current setup? Therein lies the answer with Matheus Cunha, a pairing that Carrick hasn’t tested at all.
Matheus Cunha’s pairing with Dorgu is the answer
Either because of form and fitness, Dorgu and Cunha are yet to play together down the left under Carrick.
Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split
Andrey Santos and Mason Mount split
The Brazilian was an impact sub when Dorgu started, and when the latter picked up an injury, Cunha became a direct replacement.
In the pre-season so far, Cunha has enjoyed an extended vacation after his World Cup while Dorgu has played as a winger.
Carrick must test the pairing together, with Dorgu as the left-back behind Cunha as the left-winger.
That gives United the best of both worlds without sacrificing any defensive solidity.
Cunha cuts inside onto his favoured right foot, leaving space for Dorgu to overlap with abandon and stretch the defensive lines.
Moreover, Cunha works hard off the ball, so the flank will remain secure, while more attacking thrust will be added to the side.
That raises the ceiling of the team and takes another step towards creating a dominant outfit, with and without the ball.
Dorgu can’t be the first-choice wing option for a team with tall ambitions. He is simply too limited with the ball to be that player.