Michael Carrick has confirmed Patrick Dorgu is expected to miss several weeks after picking up an injury on international duty, while Manchester United are still assessing Noussair Mazraoui ahead of Saturday’s meeting with Tottenham Hotspur.
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur return from the international break with plenty to prove when they meet at Old Trafford on Saturday.
Michael Carrick’s side have won just once in their last four domestic matches since beating Ipswich 5-2. A Carabao Cup defeat to Brighton was followed by a loss to 10-man Manchester City, before Manchester United drew with Everton and Fulham. Matheus Cunha’s late equaliser at Fulham rescued a point, but Manchester United still sit 12th.
Roberto De Zerbi’s side are bottom of the Premier League with only two points from their opening five games. Spurs have failed to score in four of those matches, while defeats against Aston Villa and Newcastle have added to the pressure.
Carrick provides Manchester United injury update
Dorgu’s absence is a setback for United, with Carrick confirming the defender will be unavailable for a number of weeks. Mazraoui is also a doubt after taking a knock, although the club will assess his condition before making a decision.
“Carlos is improving, has trained a lot, Amad, Kobbie and Marcus have done a little bit of training,” Carrick said during the pre-match press conference, offering some encouragement over Carlos Baleba, Amad Diallo, Kobbie Mainoo and Marcus Rashford.
Benjamin Sesko remains further behind in his recovery and will not be ready for the Tottenham fixture.
Carrick also dismissed suggestions that the pressure surrounding Tottenham’s poor start would make Saturday’s game any different for his side.
Asked about the pressure on Spurs, he replied: “It’s just another game.”
The United manager was more measured when discussing Tottenham’s performances, suggesting their results have not always reflected the quality of their football.
“When you look at the games, they are a very good team with good players,” Carrick said. “They haven’t had the results they maybe deserve.”
United will hope home advantage can help them return to winning ways, but Carrick needs to be wary of the cornered Tottenham who are yet to register a win this season.
