Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Photo by Michael Regan - UEFA/UEFA via Getty Images
Patrick Dorgu earned the Uefa Man of the Match award against Sabah and he settled an interesting debate en route.
Manchester United’s first goal in their 4-0 win vs Sabah in the Champions League came from a Patrick Dorgu cross to Matheus Cunha.
Dorgu then went on to win more duels than any other player on the pitch, showcasing his fine work both in and out of possession.
It was an impressive display from the 21-year-old, and it sent a clear message to Michael Carrick about where his future lies.
Manchester United v Sabah FC - UEFA Champions League 2026/27 League Phase MD1
Photo by Richard Sellers/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images
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Patrick Dorgu settles left-back vs left-wing debate
Carrick was always expected to rotate his United line-up against Sabah with a match against Manchester City on the horizon.
Throughout pre-season and at the start of the season, Carrick insisted with Dorgu playing on the left wing of his 4-2-3-1 formation.
Originally, Dorgu was signed as a wing-back option for Ruben Amorim. Now that United have changed system, it has sparked a debate around whether he should be playing at left-back or as a left winger.
Carrick has preferred the left wing spot, but tried Dorgu at left-back against Sabah. The performance that followed gives him all the answers he needs.
Dorgu should be considered as a left-back in this United squad.
Manchester United's Belgian goalkeeper #01 Senne Lammens, Manchester United's Moroccan defender #03 Noussair Mazraoui, Manchester United's Slovenian striker #30 Benjamin Sesko, Manchester United's French defender #15 Leny Yoro, Manchester United's English midfielder #37 Kobbie Mainoo (front row from L to R) Manchester United's Brazilian striker #10 Matheus Cunha, Manchester United's Cameroonian midfielder #19 Bryan Mbeumo, Manchester United's Belgian midfielder #18 Youri Tielemans, Manchester United's Argentinian defender #06 Lisandro Martinez, Manchester United's Danish defender #13 Patrick Dorgu and Manchester United's Portuguese midfielder #08 Bruno Fernandes poses for a team photo before the UEFA Champions League football match between Manchester United and Sabah FK at Old Trafford in Manchester, north west England, on September 10, 2026.
Photo by Darren Staples / AFP via Getty Images
Patrick Dorgu position change is great news for Tynan Thompson
If Carrick takes Dorgu’s result and makes him a full-time left-back at United, it opens up the door for Tynan Thompson to challenge for a first-team spot.
Marcus Rashford has been in great form on United’s left flank, while Matheus Cunha also impressed off the left against Sabah far more than in his centre-forward performances.
READ MORE: Man Utd vs Sabah player ratings UCL, Kobbie Mainoo class again but 9/10 star stole the show
Realistically, United will have to rely on squad depth in 2026/27 with four competitions to play.
Dorgu can challenge Shaw and Harry Amass for a left-back spot, and Thompson (a £4m summer signing) can step up and take it as a chance to compete for a wing spot.