The in-form Patrick Dorgu is facing up to 10 weeks out with a hamstring injury in news that will leave Manchester United gutted. The Red Devils were still riding high from their 3-2 win over Premier League leaders Arsenal on Sunday. Dorgu scored a stunning half-volley to put United 2-1 up five minutes into the second half, before Matheus Cunha scored the late winner following a Mikel Merino equaliser. But the Denmark international, who has been used as a left winger by Michael Carrick, is now facing a significant period of time out on the sidelines after limping off holding his right hamstring in north London.
United had first hoped the issue might just be cramp but The Athletic say the player’s lay-off could be as long as two-and-a-half months. The club are still assessing the extent of the injury and remain hopeful Dorgu’s timeline could be less than that. Dorgu scored in both wins against Manchester City and Arsenal under Carrick but could now be out until after the March international break, which would rule him out of United’s next eight matches.
If the 10-week estimate proves to be correct, the Dane could be back for the visit of Leeds United to Old Trafford on April 11.
The news is unwelcome for Carrick who had given an update the United official website described as ‘positive’ after the win at Arsenal. The interim manager said: “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 down the side with Luke [Shaw] against two teams that ask a lot of questions.
“I am delighted for him because the two goals he’s scored are very different goals. It’s nice to see him smiling and happy. He obviously came off with, hopefully, a little bit of cramp, hopefully, it’s nothing worse. At this stage, it’s hard to tell, so we’ll just have to wait and see. Hopefully it’s not too bad.”
Dorgu has three goals and three assists in the Premier League this season having found his feet in England 12 months on from his £25million arrival from Lecce.
While he is a different profile of player, Dorgu’s absence could see match-winner Cunha return to the starting XI. The Brazilian started on the bench against both City and Arsenal but could be reinstated to the line-up against Fulham this Sunday (February 1).
Dorgu joins Matthijs de Ligt, who has not played for United since the end of November, and Joshua Zirkzee on the sidelines. Dutch centre-back De Ligt has missed 11 straight matches due to a problem with his lower back.
Speaking before the win at Arsenal, Carrick said: ” He had a bit of setback. Well, not really a setback, before I arrived. [It was] only small but he was a little bit slower than we would have liked. He is getting closer and hopefully in the next couple of weeks he will be back and around it.”
While Zirkzee has been absent from Carrick’s two match-day squads thus far due to a muscular issue. United hope to welcome back the Netherlands international in the next few weeks.