There haven’t been many negatives since Michael Carrick returned to Manchester United as caretaker manager. Perhaps the biggest setback was losing Patrick Dorgu to a hamstring injury in the thrilling 3-2 win over Arsenal at the Emirates (January 25th).
The Danish winger scored one of the goals of the season to help United become the first side to beat the Gunners on their own turf. He was enjoying an impressive run of form until he was forced off in the latter stages of the victory in North London.
Moving to a left-wing role benefited the 21-year-old, who has appeared 24 times across competitions, posting three goals and as many assists. When the injury occured the club expected a lengthy lay-off for the Dane.
Dorgu recovering well
Manchester United have remained unbeaten in Dorgu’s absence, although Carrick’s men were held to a 1-1 draw away to West Ham United last time out. The Reds could have done with the former Leece youngster’s pace out wide at the London Stadium.
While Dorgu isn’t expected back anytime soon, he is making “good progress on his recovery.” The Dane has reportedly been doing strength and conditioning at Carrington this week, per CentreDevils.
This is promising news, indicating there have been no hiccups in his rehabilitation. He is “working hard” with the club’s physio team, and his recovery plan is “on track.”
Carrick has turned to Matheus Cunha in Dorgu’s absence, and the Brazilian has stepped up. He was on target in a 3-2 victory against Fulham at Old Trafford (February 1st).
It will be interesting to see how United’s caretaker manager sets his team up when Dorgu has fully recovered and is available. He preferred the Denmark international over Cunha against Manchester City and Arsenal, turning to the latter off the bench in both games.
Carrick values versatility
Dorgu seemed to make an immediate impression on Carrick in the early stages of his second spell in the Old Trafford dugout. His performance in the Manchester derby, including his impressive goal, earned praise from the caretaker manager:
“I think he can do both [winger and full-back]. To be honest, he was immense last week, his work rate and the way he plays the position, but the threat, constant threat, the goal is the obvious one, but his general play was something we’re really pleased about.”
Dorgu arrived at Manchester United from Italian outfit Leece in early 2025 for an initial £25m. He spent the second half of the 2024-25 campaign mostly at left wing-back, and some were unconvinced.
The Dane started to adapt to English football this season and put in consistent performances, still at wing-back under Ruben Amorim. His best displays have come on the left wing as he’s been given more freedom to attack.
Carrick added: “So I wouldn’t want to pin him down, because I think he can do both, certainly attacking-wise, and that threat, he was pretty impressive last week.”
Leece president Sticchi Damian revealed just how hard the Reds fought for Dorgu’s signature. He said the Premier League giants “insisted” and issued an ultimatum: “now or never” to the Serie A club.
There has been plenty of criticism of INEOS since it took over the club’s sporting operations. It’s hard to fault most of their transfer business, and Dorgu is a perfect example of the new strategy working.
