- Manchester United announce squad for training camp
- The Reds will travel to Dublin for four days
- Patrick Dorgu features
Manchester United’s squad are in high spirits in Dublin and Michael Carrick has welcomed Lisandro Martinez back to team training. The Reds are preparing for their Premier League run-in with a four-day intensive team training camp in the Republic of Ireland.
The 25-man squad Carrick took with him includes:
Goalkeepers: Senne Lammens, Altay Bayindir, Dermot Mee, Fred Heath.
Defenders: Noussair Mazraoui, Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez, Tyrell Malacia, Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu, Leny Yoro, Luke Shaw, Ayden Heaven, Yuel Helafu.
Midfielders: Mason Mount, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Manuel Ugarte, Kobbie Mainoo, Jim Thwaites.
Forwards: Matheus Cunha, Joshua Zirkzee, Amad, Bryan Mbeumo, Benjamin Sesko, Victor Musa.
There are three big exclusions from the squad. Diogo Dalot and Tom Heaton will both miss the trip due to illness, whilst Matthijs De Ligt is still suffering from the injury he sustained back on 30 November against Crystal Palace.
Why United are in Dublin?
With United’s next fixture not coming until 13 April—a week today—it is a chance for the players to regroup after the international break and enjoy training in a different location.
In total, between the 2-2 fixture against Bournemouth and the upcoming match against Leeds, there will be a 24-day gap.
Sam Carney, Manchester United senior editor, wrote on the website:
“The Reds are flying out to the Republic of Ireland for a four-day stay that provides an opportunity to come together ahead of the season’s seven remaining Premier League fixtures.
“With a week still to go before our next top-flight game – with Leeds visiting Old Trafford next Monday – it’s a chance to put the work in as we aim to consolidate our third-placed position and qualify for next season’s UEFA Champions League.”
One of the most important names back in the squad is Patrick Dorgu.
The Danish winger has been out of action since suffering a hamstring injury in a 3–2 win over Arsenal on January 25. He had been in fantastic form in Carrick’s first two matches.
On 4 April, the Manchester United website told fans that, “There is still no timeline on his return to first-team action, but he continues to work on his recovery with the current aim of being back with the squad before the end of the season.
“He has since been working hard at Carrington with our medical staff, and we provided an update on his progress last month, as he works through a strength and conditioning programme to aid his recovery.”
On Tuesday, Dorgu took part in individual training while Martinez trained with the team. It’s promising news for the Reds and Carrick.
Dorgu’s return
Whilst Dorgu is in the squad for the trip over the Irish sea, it does not mean he will return to first-team action straight away.
It seems unlikely that we will see Dorgu start against Leeds United. With the match just nine days away, on 13 April, it has probably come too soon.
A small cameo off the bench, however, could be in order, as the Dane looks to regain his match fitness. He was impressive under Carrick before suffering his hamstring injury.
