Patrick Dorgu: Man United’s plan for dynamic Dane remains unclear | OneFootball

Manchester United remain divided on Patrick Dorgu’s best position as the club reportedly considers targets at both full-back and on the wing, including an explosive raid on a major Premier League rival.

The Dynamic Dane

Despite arriving from Serie A minnows Lecce as a left wing-back under Ruben Amorim in February 2025, Dorgu has played in a variety of roles in his first 18 months in England.

The Portuguese tactician initially played him on the right, citing how often he played there in Italy. However, he was then restored to the left-hand side for much of Amorim’s tenure, except for short cameos on the opposite flank.

However, the 21-year-old has been reinvented as a left-winger by Michael Carrick, who was confirmed as United’s permanent head coach last month, despite Amorim’s criticism of Dorgu’s “anxiety” in possession.

Across 283 minutes under Carrick, the Denmark international has scored three times and assisted another – an average of a goal contribution every 71 minutes. It is a small sample size, but his wondergoal against Ukraine on Monday evening offers further evidence of his abilities in the final third.

Nonetheless, whether Dorgu’s best position is on the wing or further back remains a “matter of some debate” at Old Trafford, according to The Athletic.

The report states United are “expected to strengthen their left-hand side”, though the long-term ruling on Dorgu will significantly influence this. “It is possible a signing arrives on the left of attack,” which would suggest the Copenhagen native’s future lies in defence.

A Successor to Shaw

Conversely, if United decide to target a new full-back as Carrick is happy with Dorgu in a more advanced role, The Athletic claims Newcastle United’s Lewis Hall is an option with “admirers” in M16.

Sporting director Jason Wilcox is understood to be a huge fan of the 21-year-old England international, who narrowly missed out on a place in the Three Lions’ World Cup squad – a source of frustration for the youngster.

Newcastle have endured a difficult campaign at St James’ Park, finishing 12th and eliminated from the Champions League by Barcelona in a chastening 8-3 demolition. When combined with financial difficulties off the pitch, the Magpies are braced for pursuits of their best players, including Hall.

Anthony Gordon’s £70 million move to Camp Nou has eased this pressure, while Eddie Howe is keen to keep Hall. Newcastle were said to be ready to demand a record-breaking fee for a full-back to let the former Chelsea star leave Tyneside, though The Athletic claims a £50m offer could “test that resolve,” which would explain United’s growing interest.

Final Thoughts

If Dorgu does remain on the wing, a new left-back to rotate with Luke Shaw is essential. The 30-year-old Englishman enjoyed an injury-free year, becoming just the fifth outfield player to start every Premier League match in a single campaign for the club.

However, the increased workload of a return to the Champions League and deeper runs in the cup competitions will not give Shaw adequate time to recover between matches, as he has this season. Hall, who does not turn 22 until September, has both the quality to compete with Shaw now, but the youth to also serve as his long-term successor.

Featured image Justin Setterfield via Getty Images

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