Michael Carrick claimed he is delighted with Manchester United‘s business in the transfer window as he labelled Patrick Dorgu as being “like a new signing”.

United made only four senior signings in the transfer window, adding three midfielders in the form of Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba while bringing in Karl Darlow as a backup goalkeeper.

Yet the Red Devils still have an issue at left-back, where 31-year-old Luke Shaw will again be first choice, with 19-year-old Harry Amass the only other natural option at the position.

United’s decision not to sign a left-back in the transfer window has raised eyebrows, but Carrick pointed to Dorgu’s ability to operate there as he praised the winger’s potential impact after missing much of the second half of last season through a hamstring injury.

“He [Dorgu] can certainly play there [left-back],” Carrick told a pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash with Everton.

“He has done, without doubt. I’m not sitting here saying he can’t do that. It’s just the way we’ve been since I’ve been here.

“He actually has been injured, unfortunately, for some time. So, for me, he’s almost like a new player to have, and it’s almost like a new signing in some ways because he’s added so much to the group.

“He’s played off the right for Denmark, scored a great goal in the summer playing off the right in a forward position. He can play left-back.”

Though United’s business has attracted some criticism, Carrick made it clear he is more than satisfied.

“I think I’ve said it, we went in wanting to come out stronger from the group that we had last season, and we’ve definitely added to that,” he added.

“The situation is what it is, in terms of finances and what we can work with and what we’re trying to get the most of.

“Certainly, the players that we’ve brought into the group, I’m delighted with, absolutely delighted with. I think we’ve done some really good business there for the quality and the level of player that we’ve got. I’m really, really happy with that.”