Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu and his Manchester United teammates returned for preseason training last week ahead of the new season. All the players who did not go to the World Cup with their national teams, along with academy graduates, made up the squad that faced Wrexham in their first friendly yesterday.

Michael Carrick's side were defeated 1-0, but the match gave the players valuable minutes. New signing Andrey Santos featured for the first time in midfield, and the front three was made up of Dorgu, Bryan Mbuemo and Joshua Zirkzee.

All of the starting XI were replaced at half-time as expected, as they ease back into their season preparations. 

Dorgu has been predominantly used as a winger under Carrick and is likely to continue playing in a higher role. The Denmark international was originally signed during Rúben Amorim's reign from Lecce to play as a left-wing-back. With a change of system coming when Carrick took over, Luke Shaw has been the starting left-back, and Dorgu has usually been deployed in a more advanced role when fit.

Last season was promising for Dorgu, although he suffered a hamstring injury which kept him out for a while. He impressed as a winger, scoring against both Manchester City and Arsenal in Carrick's first two matches, as well as scoring on the final day against Brighton.

Speaking to MUTV after the match, Dorgu discussed his role within the team and how he can provide versatility to Carrick's squad.

He said: "It’s good to play a bit higher up, you have cover from your left back and have a bit more freedom in the pitch, so it’s nice to play there.

"Hopefully, I will play many more games to improve my game there and to be even sharper in that position."

Matheus Cunha and Patrick Dorgu shared the minutes on the left flank under Michael Carrick, but there will be more game time available next term, with United returning to the Champions League. 

He continued: "I feel like I can play in a lot of positions and I trust myself in a lot of positions. Wherever the coach thinks I can do the best job, I will give everything to the team."

Dorgu also praised the young United players who mostly featured in the second half against Wrexham.

"I think most of them [the Academy players] have already been with us before, so we all know all of them and they’re all great players," Dorgu said. 

"We just try to help them settle and feel confident in the group. I feel like they did a good job today in the game as well, so it’s good to have them train with us and help us as well.

"They played really well, they controlled the game but we just need to create some more chances. But it’s the first game, so we have time."

After Barcelona passed on the opportunity to sign Marcus Rashford permanently from United, the 28-year-old is set to report for preseason training under Michael Carrick's management when he returns from holiday after his World Cup campaign with England.

Whatever your opinion on this, it is clear this was not part of the plan. However, although a sale is still possible, there is a real chance that Rashford is part of Carrick's squad for the upcoming season.

This would give United another option in attack, with Rashford being United's only real natural left-winger. It would also rule out the possibility of United signing a new player for that position, meaning a left-back signing could be pushed forward. 

Dorgu could provide competition for Matheus Cunha for the left-wing position, but Rashford's return would probably push Dorgu further down the queue. Although he could play on the right, Amad and Mbuemo are already fighting for the position. This will give Carrick good depth but could also limit the minutes for all of these players.

For United, a left-back signing could become more likely. The club have been linked with Newcastle's Lewis Hall, who could be a brilliant replacement for Luke Shaw. Dorgu may also be able to do that role, which could mean that Rashford coming back could result in Dorgu having another change in position.