Patrick Dorgu is becoming a 'real problem' to Man United

Michael Carrick does not view Patrick Dorgu as a long-term answer to his concerns about Manchester United's left-back position.

The 21-year-old has started Man United's last two games at left-back including the 1-0 defeat to Man City in the absence of Luke Shaw, who has a small injury issue.

Shaw started all 38 Premier League games last season, and is still regarded as the first-choice left-back under Carrick, but the lack of depth is becoming a concern.

Former Man United chief scout Mick Brown told Football Insider that Dorgu is not the answer to Carrick's problems and cannot be relied upon as the starting left-back.

That is likely to force the Red Devils into the transfer market in January, having missed out in their pursuit of a new left-back during the summer transfer window.

Carrick's side have considered a number of options for the position, and after Dorgu's struggles in recent games, they may have to revisit their plans sooner than expected.

How do Man United feel about Patrick Dorgu?

Football Insider reported back in April that Man United planned to keep Dorgu despite some question marks over his performances after Paul Scholes voiced his concerns.

The Denmark international had a mixed season last time out, and has once again been criticised this term, with concerns about his long-term role in the squad.

Amongst those doubts, there is a feeling he cannot be the long-term answer to the club's left-back concerns, and other arrangements will be made.

"Dorgu can do a job and fill in at left-back, but that's not enough," Brown told Football Insider.

"If you have ambitions of winning trophies and performing to a high level in the Premier League, then you need players you can rely upon in every position.

"Dorgu is not one of those types of players, and he is not going to be the long-term answer to Michael Carrick's prayers at left-back, and that's becoming a real problem.

"I think Carrick knows that, and he has to play the hand he's been dealt, but any suggestions that having Dorgu means they don't need to bring somebody in are just wrong.

"If Luke Shaw isn't playing, then that position becomes a real concern, and it could be something they now have to look at in January, because Dorgu isn't good enough.

"He showed that against Man City where he made far too many mistakes, and Carrick has said before he sees him as more of an attacking player.

"He can be a squad player, that's fine, he can play in a few different positions, but he's not somebody they want to have to rely on."

When do Man United plan to sign a new left-back?

Man United were heavily linked with signing a new left-back during the summer transfer window, and considered a number of big-name targets for the position.

Lewis Hall was tipped for a move to Old Trafford, while the likes of Ian Maatsen and Rayan Ait Nouri were also subject to late offers from Man United.

However, Football Insider revealed on 7 September that Man United are now prepared to wait until next summer before addressing their concerns at left-back.

Shaw is set to keep his starting place in the meantime as the only senior, recognised left-back at the club, and there is optimism that he can continue to hold down his place.

However, with United looking to compete across all competitions, they are aware that left-back is an area they must address in the near future.