Manchester United wing-back turned winger Patrick Dorgu limped off on Sunday during the 3-2 victory over Arsenal in the Premier League
Patrick Dorgu could be out for an extended period through injury(Image: Alex Pantling/Getty Images)
Manchester United supporters are currently waiting anxiously to discover if Patrick Dorgu’s injury is serious or not ahead of the clash with Fulham on Sunday. The Dane has been a revelation for Michael Carrick having been moved up field in the 4-2-3-1 formation favoured by the interim head coach.
“Pat’s been a big player for us, obviously he’s scored two goals but in terms of the threat and athleticism and quality, he’s been immense,” declared Carrick after Dorgu had put Arsenal to the sword on Sunday. In Carrick’s first two matches in charge, Dorgu has scored in both including a screamer at the Emirates and the goal that sealed victory over City.
However, before Matheus Cunha’s winner, Dorgu was substituted with what appeared to be a hamstring injury. Immediately after the game, Carrick suggested the injury was merely cramp and he would be assessed.
On Tuesday, reports suggested Dorgu would be out for ten weeks with a hamstring concern. It is understood by MEN Sport that Dorgu is still being assessed and no timeline for his injury has yet been confirmed. But should he be out for one game or an extended period, United will need to replace him.
So with this in mind, we have taken a look at three ways United could choose to line up without Dorgu for however long he is out for.
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First choice
The first choice for United and probably the most likely option would be to recall Cunha to the starting XI. Carrick has been using the Brazilian as his first choice substitution in recent matches and he has been repaying that faith.
His goal cutting in from the left flank on Sunday was a stroke of genius and will have stood him in good stead to get a start against Fulham at the weekend if Dorgu is injured. Cunha’s involvement would weaken the bench but that is a price United will more than likely have to pay.
Manchester United XI with Matheus Cunha replacing Patrick Dorgu
Mount chance
Another option available to Carrick would be to recall Mason Mount to the starting XI. This would be an unorthodox move for the Reds considering Mount is more of an attacking midfielder.
However, the former Chelsea man has experience playing across the attacking midfield three and may need to show greater flexibility if he is to get more minutes in the starting line-up. Now Bruno Fernandes has been moved back to attacking midfield, Mount will find it difficult to unseat him – just as Kobbie Mainoo did.
Therefore, playing him on the left could be an opportunity for him to stake his claim again.
Manchester United XI with Mason Mount replacing Patrick Dorgu
Wildcard option
United are not blessed with many left wingers but even so, this seems an unlikely wildcard option. Teenager Shea Lacey is more suited to playing on the right but has featured on the left flank previously in emergencies.
The 18-year-old was sent off for a quick second yellow offence in his last appearance for United but he need not worry about that affecting his chances in the first team. Carrick has made it his mission to show support for the academy players and recently attended their FA Youth Cup fixture vs Derby County.
That being said, thrusting Lacey into a position he is not fully comfortable with while Dorgu is out would be a major curveball.
Manchester United XI with Shea Lacey replacing Patrick Dorgu