Michael Carrick take note: Danish media dub Patrick Dorgu's display 'the biggest surprise' as he dazzles in new role
Manchester United defender Patrick Dorgu delivered a surprisingly polished performance from the right of the attack as Denmark lost 3-2 to Norway on Thursday.
Erling Haaland's second goal ultimately separated the sides in their Nations League opener, after Brian Riemer's side had come from two goals behind to level.
Dorgu, a natural left-back, has often played further up the pitch for Man United since making the £29million move from Lecce in February 2025.
But he is yet to play on the right of the attack under Michael Carrick, despite scoring from the position against Newcastle United in December.
The return of Marcus Rashford on the left has largely seen Dorgu reduced to appearances off the bench for Man United so far this season, with Luke Shaw trusted at left-back.
Yet Thursday's display may well give Carrick something to think about, with there clearly being an argument that the young Dane should be given a run out on the right.
Denmark media rave over Patrick Dorgu
Dorgu has featured on the right of the attack before on rare occasion during his time with Lecce, but never for Denmark.
His previous caps have all seen him deployed on the left - some at left-back, while others have been further forward.
But Riemer was keen to try something new, and was rewarded for his bravery with a superb performance.
Dorgu created three chances - more than anybody on the pitch - took a shot, and completed a successful dribble.
He attempted an impressive 10 crosses into the box and was fouled three times, the joint-most of anybody. As you would expect, the Dane got his defensive work done, too.
Dorgu won nine duels, made a clearance, five recoveries and five tackles - again, the joint-most of anybody on the pitch.
Awarding him a four of six, marking excellent effort, Danish outlet Tipsbladet wrote: "He was the biggest surprise from the start, but it was brilliant, Brian Riemer!
"Patrick Dorgu played a great game on the right wing, where he got Denmark's first shot, made several good crosses and was constantly dangerous against the Norwegians' substitute left back, Frederik Aursnes. He was also responsible for the corner kick that led to Hojlund's goal."
Similarly positive, DR Sport gave the 21-year-old a 10 on their scale, and wrote: "The powerful player from Manchester United was the little surprise in national coach Brian Riemer's starting line-up. And a positive one at that.
"Starting from the right side, he challenged from the start, had the first finish of the match and was the only one to threaten the Norwegians for a long time in the first half.
"His corner kick from the right side was excellent, and the performance really points well forward. A clear yellow card after a botched short corner drags things down a bit."
Dorgu's admission should inspire Michael Carrick
Dorgu was deployed at right-wing again after scoring against Newcastle, but is yet to return to it since.
"I've done that at my old team as well, so it's nothing new to me," he said when asked about the position. "I'm just happy to score the goal.
"I knew already a few days ago, so I just tried to remember how to play there.
"It's the same [as wing-back], just you come inside to your stronger foot, so sometimes it's even easier to attack and connect with the team-mates, so I find it really easy."