Man United can try out attacking solution to problem position this season


Patrick Dorgu is on his way back for Man Utd and his return might give Michael Carrick the chance to try him at left-back.

It’s been a strange old season for Patrick Dorgu. The 21-year-old hasn’t played since the end of January and has started just 14 Premier League games, but it feels like he has been through plenty this term.

He was derided as anxious by Ruben Amorim earlier this season, during a period in which his form plummeted and his future looked far from certain. His performance in the 1-0 defeat to 10-man Everton in November led to a spell out of the team.

His return to form actually started in the final weeks of the Amorim era. He was back in the side against Aston Villa on December 21 and strung some positive displays together, before being unleashed on the left of a 4-2-3-1 by Michael Carrick.

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Dorgu’s goals against Manchester City and Arsenal, the second a spectacular strike at the Emirates, capped a superb few weeks and he looked a fixture in the team, only for the hamstring injury he picked up in that game to lead to a spell on the sidelines.

The Denmark international is back doing gym work and running now, but a return isn’t imminent and his absence could eventually stretch to three months. It is still expected he will be back before the end of the season.

He has certainly been missed by United. Results have continued to go in a positive direction and all the attackers have had spells where they have contributed, but as a left-footed left-winger, Dorgu was providing the kind of natural width that Matheus Cunha hasn’t done as often.

United have firmed up plans to sign a left-winger in recent months and Dorgu will face more competition for a place next season, but his displays around Christmas and into January mean he will be a valuable member of the squad at the very least. His versatility makes sure of that.

He was being used as a wing-back by Amorim, mostly on the left, but towards the end of the Portuguese’s spell in charge, he started on the right against Newcastle and played as a more central attacker in the draw at Leeds, before being used as a winger by Carrick.

Dorgu developed as an attacking threat for former club Lecce, particularly down the left, and that form earned him a £30million move to Old Trafford in January 2025, as United looked to adapt to Amorim’s new system. It’s an irony that Dorgu then looked most at home in a back four.

For all his attacking talents, Dorgu has plenty of experience as a left-back as well, even if it’s a position he has yet to play for United. That could change before the end of the season.

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United could look to sign a left-back and a left-winger this summer. Luke Shaw has started all 31 Premier League games this season, but in a more demanding schedule, relying on his fitness is a risk, and he’s about to enter the final year of his contract. Tyrell Malacia will leave when his deal expires this summer.

Dorgu could be an option all across the left flank. There might be some hesitation playing him as a left-back in a back four against the Premier League’s elite, or in a big Champions League knockout tie, but his attacking intent from that position could also be a weapon, especially against low blocks.

He might not be an answer at left-back every week, but he could be a good option at times. The final weeks of this season, with United well on track to return to the Champions League, should be a good chance to test that out.

The final three games of the season are against Sunderland, Nottingham Forest and Brighton, when Dorgu will be hoping he’s fit enough to play a part. If United have booked their Champions League return by then, it might be time to experiment, and unleashing the Dane at left-back could help reveal whether he is an option there next season as well.

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Dorgu, Mbeumo, Sesko – Man United injury news and possible return dates


Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of the Premier League clash against Leeds United.

Manchester United have been handed an injury boost ahead of their return to Premier League action next week. After the international break and FA Cup action, United are back in action next Monday when they host rivals Leeds United.

United were last in action on Friday, 20 March, when they had to settle for a point from a 2-2 draw with Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium. That result left United in third place in the Premier League table, one point above Aston Villa in fourth.

The match against Bournemouth also saw Harry Maguire shown a red card, meaning that he will be suspended for the match vs Leeds.

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The extra break has given some members of the United squad extra time to recover from any bumps, bruises or injuries. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest from the United treatment room.

Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring

The full-back has missed the last eight Premier League games due to a hamstring injury sustained in the closing stages of the clash against Arsenal. He is now back doing individual work on the grass as he steps up his recovery from the injury.

Potential return date: Vs Liverpool (H), Sunday, 3 May

Bryan Mbeumo

Injury: Knock

The forward was withdrawn in the second half of the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth as a precaution. He then pulled out of the Cameroon squad over the international break.

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Benjamin Sesko

Injury: Knock

Like Mbeumo, Sesko pulled out of international duty over the break. The striker has been dealing with a fitness concern over the last few weeks, but should be able to feature for United against Leeds.

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Calf

The centre-back has missed the last five Premier League games due to the injury, but is closing in on a comeback.

What has been said: “[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Potential return date: Vs Leeds (H), Mon, 13 April

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The defender has been out of action since November due to a back injury.

What has been said: “He’s obviously trying to work to get back but it’s just the back issue, really, that’s proving difficult. We’ll keep working as hard as we can, to get him back as quickly as we can.”

Potential return date: Unknown

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10 Man Utd players set for extra training during international break


The March international break is in full swing with several Manchester United players remaining at Carrington over the next two weeks

Manchester United will have several players not on international duty over the next two weeks. As a result, those players will be expected to train at Carrington or work on their respective fitness or injury concerns.

United’s last match before the international break was the 2-2 draw with Bournemouth last week, a result which leaves the Reds in third place in the Premier League table and one point above fourth-placed Aston Villa.

Michael Carrick and Co. are not back in Premier League action until April 13, when they will host Leeds United at Old Trafford. United do not have a game the weekend of April 4/5 due to not being involved in the FA Cup, with the quarter-finals taking centre stage.

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While several members of United’s squad are away with their respective national teams, some players are remaining at Carrington to train at the club’s base to maintain their fitness levels.

Patrick Dorgu is continuing to recover from a hamstring injury which has kept the defender on the sidelines since February. United posted a video on their official website of Dorgu working on his rehabilitation at Carrington.

Matthijs de Ligt (back) and Lisandro Martinez are also sidelined with injuries and will be working on their recovery during the international break.

United also confirmed that Bryan Mbeumo had been withdrawn from the Cameroon squad as a precaution, with the forward being withdrawn in the second half of their draw with Bournemouth last week. Before Mbeumo left the squad, the United player had been expected to feature in the friendly matches against Australia and China.

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Benjamin Sesko also withdrew from the Slovenia squad as he recovers from a minor fitness issue, with United hoping to have both players available after the international break.

Mason Mount and Luke Shaw were both not called up to the England squad for the friendly matches against Uruguay and Japan, while Tom Heaton is retired from international football.

Tyrell Malacia and Joshua Zirkzee were not called up by Ronald Koeman for the Netherlands squad for their round of international matches.

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Dorgu, Martinez – Man United injury news and return dates after Bournemouth blow


Manchester United were held to a 2-2 draw by Bournemouth at the Vitality Stadium on Friday evening, a match in which they were dealt a bitter blow when Harry Maguire was sent off

Manchester United head into the March international break on the back of a 2-2 draw with AFC Bournemouth. Already fraught with injury, the Reds’ defence took a further blow when Harry Maguire was sent off during Friday evening’s trip to the Vitality Stadium.

United were held to a 2-2 draw by the Cherries during the encounter, but it was Stuart Attwell’s decision to show Maguire a red for denying Evanilson a goalscoring opportunity in his own box which dominated the headlines. It came on a day in which Maguire received a call-up to the England national team by Thomas Tuchel.

The 33-year-old is part of a 35-man England squad to take on Uruguay and Japan at the end of the month. However, he will now be ineligible to take part in United’s clash with Leeds come April 13 as a result of a one-match ban.

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It comes as added stress to an already stretched defence, given an abundance of injuries that United are currently dealing with. Here, the MEN breaks down who is currently sidelined for the Reds, and their potential return dates…

Patrick Dorgu

Patrick Dorgu has been recovering from a hamstring injury which he picked up against Arsenal at the turn of the year. He is not expected to return until April at the earliest.

Potential return date: April.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Noussair Mazraoui missed Manchester United’s trip to the south coast on Friday through illness, having also missed Wednesday’s training session. Carrick confirmed in his press conference: “[Dorgu] is a bit further down the line, but [Mazraoui] is just ill. He just wasn’t feeling too good today.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs United (H).

Matthijs De Ligt

Matthijs De Ligt has been ruled out of contention since November with a back injury. Speaking about the defender, Carrick said: “It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time. I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs Leeds (H).

Lisandro Martinez

While Lisandro Martinez also missed the Bournemouth match through a calf injury, Carrick gave a promising update on the Argentine. He said: “Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer. He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Potential return date: April 13 vs Leeds (H).

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Eight players could miss Bournemouth vs Man Utd after ‘difficult’ injury update


Manchester United face Bournemouth in the Premier League on Friday night, and both teams will have several players on the sidelines due to injury

Manchester United and Bournemouth will both have players on the sidelines when they meet in the Premier League on Friday night. The Reds will make the trip to the south coast to face the Cherries at the Vitality Stadium in the Friday Night Football as they continue their quest to qualify for the Champions League.

Michael Carrick steered United to a victory over Aston Villa in their last match in the Premier League, which boosted their hopes of finishing in the top four.

Next up in Bournemouth, which will give United the chance to extend the advantage over top-four rivals Villa, Chelsea and Liverpool ahead of the weekend’s round of fixtures.

However, Carrick will be forced to have some members of the United squad on the sidelines and unavailable for selection.

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Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined for United as he continues to recover from a back injury which has ruled the defender out since November, and Carrick has admitted he is unsure when a return to the matchday squad will happen.

“It’s difficult to say, just because it’s taken that much time,” Carrick said. “I can’t give you any more on it really. It’s one of those things with backs that sometimes you think it’s all right and then all of a sudden it’s not quite right.

“We’re just kind of being patient and working through it. We’ll just have to see. We’ll obviously give him time and try to get him back as quick as we can, but it’s really difficult to say. I’m not trying to hide anything, literally at the moment we don’t know so we’ll have to wait and see.

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“He’s improving, it’s not improving as quick as we all hope, but we’ll see how it goes.”

Patrick Dorgu is also unavailable for United as he recovers from a hamstring injury, and is not expected to return until next month at the earliest.

Noussair Mazraoui has also emerged as a doubt for United after Carrick confirmed the defender missing training on Wednesday with illness.

“[Dorgu] is a bit further down the line, but [Mazraoui] is just ill,” Carrick said. “He just wasn’t feeling too good today.”

Lisandro Martinez is also expected to miss United’s clash with Bournemouth with a calf injury, but Carrick provided an optimistic update earlier this week.

“[Lisandro is] closer, a lot closer,” he said. “He’s getting there, so after this one. I think he’ll be alright.”

Bournemouth will also have several players on the sidelines for the clash against United. Justin Kluivert is still ruled out after having surgery on a knee injury back in January.

Lewis Cook and Tyler Adams are also unavailable for the Cherries, with manager Andoni Iraola providing an update earlier this week.

“Tyler is not going to be available, as you suppose, because he hasn’t been in the squad for the US,” Iraola told reporters this week.

“Lewis Cook is still not ready. We have almost three weeks now without a game [after Manchester United] so we want to use that space for him to recover properly and be ready for the next one. We have no fresh injuries.”

Julio Soler is also still unavailable for Bournemouth with a hamstring injury he picked up earlier this season.


Man United injury latest and possible return dates ahead of Aston Villa


Manchester United return to action on Sunday after an 11-day break without any games when they take on Aston Villa in the Premier League

Manchester United will be looking to bounce back from their first defeat under the guidance of Michael Carrick in their last outing when they are back in Premier League action this weekend. They have a chance to give their hopes of Champions League qualification a big boost.

Third-placed United host fourth-placed Aston Villa at Old Trafford on Sunday afternoon (2pm kick-off). The match comes 11 days after a 2-1 loss against Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

While United have had a bit longer to prepare for the game, Villa were in action on Thursday night, recording a 1-0 away win over Lille in the first leg of their Europa League tie.

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The extra time will come as a boost to United, with players nursing and overcoming knocks having a longer chance to recover and be available for selection.

Ahead of the game, Carrick has given the latest update on his squad, with two boosts, although there are still some players remaining on the sidelines. With that in mind, here is the latest from the Carrington treatment room.

Mason Mount

Injury: Knock.

The midfielder has been out since early in Carrick’s reign.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is back with the group, which is fantastic. He’s an important player for us, Mason, and to have him back and involved is a good step for us.

“He is not 100 per cent in terms of back, because he’s only trained a very small amount of time, but he’s back and that’s good for us so we’ll see whether he’s involved or not on Sunday, but it’s a big step for him, so we’re happy with that. That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: vs Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Injury: Foot

The defender was forced off the pitch in the closing stages of the loss against Newcastle with a foot injury.

What has been said: “Noussair Mazraoui trained this week despite coming off with a knock during our 2-1 defeat at Newcastle United, nine days ago,” United wrote in an update on their official website.

Possible return date:vs Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Calf.

The defender has missed the last three Premier League games due to the injury.

What Carrick has said: “That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: April.

Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring.

The full-back has missed the last six Premier League games due to his injury.

What Carrick has said: “That’s it in terms of players coming back for now.”

Possible return date: April.

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The back injury has caused De Ligt to miss the last three-and-a-half months of action.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.” (Feb 27)

Possible return date: April.

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Manchester United have unexpectedly found a new key player


Patrick Dorgu found form after the arrival of Michael Carrick but he has missed Man United’s last six games through injury.

When a player is out injured, one of two things usually happens: either a teammate takes their chance and displaces them in the starting XI, or everyone begins to realise just how important the injured player really is.

Patrick Dorgu arrived at Old Trafford in January 2025. The Denmark international was signed to help the transition to a 3-4-2-1 formation, and while he was better suited to left wing-back than Luke Shaw, he still didn’t look great.

Strangely, it was under Ruben Amorim’s watch that we saw how Dorgu could have a future at United. On Boxing Day, the 21-year-old was moved to the right wing due to Bryan Mbeumo and Amad’s involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations, as Amorim tweaked his formation. Dorgu didn’t just fill in on the right, he excelled.

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He scored his first goal for the club that night, a stunning effort to beat Newcastle, but that was merely a taster. Upon Amorim’s exit, Dorgu was again moved into attack. He bagged an assist at Burnley before two key goals against Manchester City and Arsenal.

Unfortunately for Dorgu, his momentum was curtailed at the Emirates Stadium. He was forced off with what initially seemed to be a minor issue, only for Michael Carrick to confirm his hamstring injury would keep him out for a lengthy period.

In his absence, Matheus Cunha stepped in and he scored the winner at Arsenal, following it up a week later with a strike against Fulham. But he has not scored since and United are starting to see some issues with Cunha on the wing. The Brazil international is always looking to cut inside, unsurprisingly considering he prefers to play centrally.

“My favourite position is to be on the pitch and help my team of course,” he said during the November international break. “Right now in Brazil, I have a different job to come a little bit and help the team in the build-up and attack as a striker. I feel fine playing as a false nine, exactly, this kind of participation in the build-up and get on the ball more.”

But his desire to come inside has caused problems, and it’s tough to see who else could play on the left. Carrick has said Amad can play there, but he has only played the role a handful of times during his career.

Carrick recently stressed United have ‘very good options’ across the frontline but conceded a left winger will be on the club’s radar in the summer transfer window. It is understood RB Leipzig’s Yan Diomande is an option but, realistically, United will need Champions League football to sign him.

While United wait for the transfer window to open, Dorgu’s stock continues to rise.

At St James’ Park this week, United only had Amad and Joshua Zirkzee on the bench to offer an attacking threat. There was no alternative attacking replacement on the left.

If you had said at the beginning of the season that United would look weaker without Dorgu, plenty would have questioned how you came to that conclusion. But it’s true, and the sooner he is back, the better.

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Mazraoui, Shaw, De Ligt – Latest Man United injury news and return dates


Manchester United will now enjoy a 10-day break before their next Premier League game against Aston Villa following Wednesday’s defeat to Newcastle United

Manchester United suffered their first defeat under Michael Carrick on Wednesday night as Newcastle United beat them 2-1 at St James’ Park. William Osula’s injury-time winner handed Eddie Howe’s 10-men all three points after Jacob Ramsey was sent off.

The defeat leaves the race for Champions League football wide open with Chelsea picking up an emphatic 4-1 victory at Aston Villa. Fortunately for Michael Carrick’s men, they will get over a week to recover and prepare for their next league clash against Villa.

It comes at the perfect time for United, with a number of players suffering with injuries. At Newcastle, Noussair Mazraoui was forced off and replaced by Tyrell Malacia late on. Matthijs de Ligt, Mason Mount and Lisandro Martinez all missed the defeat.

With all of that being said, the Manchester Evening News has taken a look at the latest updates on United’s injured stars and when they could return.

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Noussair Mazraoui

Since returning from AFCON, Mazraoui came off the bench in three straight games before starting the previous two. After playing 66 minutes against Palace, he lasted 85 minutes at Newcastle.

However, as the United players left the stadium late on Wednesday night, the Moroccan international was spotted walking with a small limp and looking uncomfortable.

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) –Sunday, March 15.

Luke Shaw

Shaw came off in the first half against Crystal Palace last weekend with what appeared to be a foot issue. He started the Newcastle defeat, but was replaced on the hour by Manuel Ugarte.

Possible return date: Returned

Lisandro Martinez

Martinez has been absent for United’s last three games with a calf issue. He wasn’t in the squad at Newcastle, with Under-21s defender Godwill Kukonki named on the bench as defensive cover.

What Carrick has said: “Licha, it was a small issue, so he’s getting closer. He won’t be out for very long so we’ll just monitor him over the next day, two, three or four days and see when he can come back, but he’s he’s not far away.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Mason Mount

Mount has not played for United since Carrick’s first game in charge against Manchester City. He was in the squad in the 3-2 win over Arsenal, but was left on the bench.

There is hope that he could return for the game against Aston Villa next weekend.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass, and he’s getting closer. He’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon. He’s just had to be patient… He’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Aston Villa (H) – Sunday, March 15.

Matthijs de Ligt

De Ligt has been out with a back injury for the last three months. However, the latest update on the defender suggests that he is getting closer to a return.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there.

“He’s in the right direction, but as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing.”

Possible return date: Leeds United (H) – April 13

Patrick Dorgu

Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in the 3-2 win over Arsenal and Carrick confirmed he would miss a considerable period back in late January.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Late March


Man United injury latest and possible return dates as update given


Manchester United host Crystal Palace in the Premier League on Saturday, with Michael Carrick hoping to welcome one player to his matchday squad

Manchester United will be looking to make it six wins from seven games under the guidance of interim head coach Michael Carrick when they host Crystal Palace at Old Trafford. United are back in action on Sunday afternoon (2pm).

The match comes just six days after they got back to winning ways with a 1-0 away victory over Everton. Benjamin Sesko’s 71st-minute goal was enough to separate the two sides. That result saw United open up a three-point gap to both Chelsea and Liverpool in fifth and sixth place.

The injury situation at Old Trafford is also looking better compared to the start of the season. With that in mind, here’s a look at the latest news from the treatment room at Carrington.

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Patrick Dorgu

Injury: Hamstring

The full-back has been unavailable for the last four Premier League games due to a hamstring injury suffered in the win over Arsenal last month. But there is hope that he could be back soon, with Denmark head coach Brian Riemer saying that there is a chance that he could be back for next month’s World Cup play-offs.

What Carrick has said: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be. We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious, and at the moment, it looks a little bit more on the serious note.”

Possible return date: Vs Leeds United (H), April 11.

Matthijs de Ligt

Injury: Back

The defender has been out of action since the end of November with a back injury, with him missing the last 15 games in all competitions.

What Carrick has said: “Matthijs, he’s had a back issue, which has been a little bit slower to progress, really. It’s something we’ve been working through, and he’s getting there. He’s in the right direction, but, as I said, he’s just a little bit further behind.

“It’s one of those things that’s disappointing, but it’s just a part of football, unfortunately, so we’ll get him back when we can.

“It’s just the nature of the injury and the issue in the back. It’s a difficult one to pin down, especially time-wise. He’s definitely improving, so that’s a good thing, and we’re just working towards that really. There’s not much more I can give at this stage.”

Possible return date: Unknown

Mason Mount

Injury: Knock

The midfielder has missed the last four Premier League games with a knock but is closing in on a return to action.

What Carrick has said: “Mason is getting closer, really. He’s on the grass and he’s getting closer, he’s looking to train and be in around it pretty soon.

“He’s getting close. He’s just had to be patient really and he’s a big player, so we’re looking after him, making sure he’s ready for a big finish to the season.”

Possible return date: Vs Aston Villa (H), March 15.

Lisandro Martinez

Injury: Knock

The centre-back was not included in the squad for Monday night’s Premier League win over Everton, having previously started the last nine league games. It’s reported that the issue is only minor and he could make a quick return.

What Carrick has said: “Unfortunately, he just picked up something during the week. It doesn’t seem too bad at all, but we’re just kind of working through that at the moment, so he’s not available tonight.”

Possible return date: Vs Crystal Palace (H), March 1.

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Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.


Patrick Dorgu injury update as manager speaks out about Manchester United player


Manchester United have been without Patrick Dorgu since late January after the Denmark international sustained a hamstring injury during the 3-2 win over Arsenal

Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has said there is a chance that Patrick Dorgu could be involved in next month’s World Cup qualification play-offs.

Dorgu, 21, is currently sidelined with a hamstring injury sustained during Manchester United’s 3-2 win over Arsenal. The wide player subsequently missed all four of their matches in February, but there appears to be an opportunity for him to return during March.

United host Crystal Palace on Sunday before travelling to Newcastle United in midweek. They then have 11 days without a game before welcoming Aston Villa to Old Trafford, followed by a visit to Bournemouth.

That trip to the south coast is their final fixture before this season’s last international break. The fortnight will be an eventful one for Dorgu’s Denmark, who have yet to qualify for the World Cup.

After finishing second in UEFA Group C behind Scotland, they host North Macedonia in Copenhagen on 26 March. If they win that semi-final, Denmark would play away against the winner of the Czech Republic or the Republic of Ireland for a spot in this summer’s tournament.

Dorgu featured in all but one of their qualifiers, playing every minute of the last two in November and scoring an equaliser during the 4-2 defeat against Scotland at Hampden Park. As such, the Denmark head coach seems to be holding out hope he will be able to play some part.

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Reimer has told Viaplay: “Right now, he is reported injured by Manchester United, and he is until April. I know that Patrick has a dream to be ready.

“I think his biggest motivation right now, when he is running around in that training room, is that he wants to beat the crap out of us all and then be ready for that game.” Reimer added: “I will only help him keep that dream alive as long as the opportunity exists.”

United head coach Michael Carrick has not provided an update on Dorgu since confirming his player would be out for a period of time. He said in late January: “Pat, unfortunately, he’s gonna be out for a period of time. We’re still working through how long that’s going to be, so we’ll have to see.

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“He’s disappointed; he’s had such a big couple of weeks.” Dorgu scored against Arsenal before getting injured, and also got a goal in the previous week’s Manchester derby.

Carrick continued: “We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or something a little bit more serious, and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious note so it’ll be a few weeks for that. How many weeks? We’ll have to wait and see.

“That’s disappointing for all of us, really. Pat was in such a good place, but unfortunately, it’s football, and it’s something we’ve got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”

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Sky

Get Sky Sports here

Sky has slashed the price of its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle for the 2025/26 season, saving £336 and offering more than 1,400 live matches across the Premier League, EFL and more.

Sky shows at least 215 live Premier League games each season, an increase of up to 100, plus Formula 1, darts, golf and more.