Manchester United faces a significant challenge as they prepare to meet Everton on Sunday, aiming to build on their recent positive momentum. Following a convincing 5-2 victory over Ipswich last weekend, which showcased the attacking flair fans have been eager to see, the team now confronts a stern test away from home. This encounter against Everton comes after an initial disappointment in their opening fixture, where they suffered a 2-0 defeat to newly promoted Hull. However, United can draw confidence from their recent record at Goodison Park, having avoided defeat in their last four visits, including a narrow 1-0 win in February thanks to a goal from Benjamin Sesko.
Injury Crisis Forces Tactical Re-evaluation
The upcoming match against Everton is overshadowed by a severe injury crisis that could see up to seven Manchester United players sidelined. Fitness concerns plague the squad across nearly all positions, presenting manager Michael Carrick with significant selection dilemmas. While the forward line has largely been spared the worst of the injury woes, Amad Diallo remains a doubt due to a muscle issue sustained in training. The team is also grappling with the absence of summer acquisition Carlos Baleba, who is recovering from an ankle problem, and Manuel Ugarte faces a lengthy spell out, with his return not anticipated until 2027. Mason Mount is another notable absentee, though he has recently resumed training after a foot injury, a development Carrick described as a “big positive.”
Defensive Strains and Potential Solutions
The defensive unit is particularly hard-hit. Matthijs de Ligt continues his rehabilitation from a back issue, with his return unlikely before the end of the month. Luke Shaw is also a doubt after being substituted with a muscle injury during the win against Ipswich. In goal, Tom Heaton remains unavailable, though his absence is less concerning given the current pecking order that places Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow ahead of him.
Amidst these defensive shortages, an unexpected solution may have emerged in the form of Patrick Dorgu. The 21-year-old Danish international, who joined United from Lecce for £25 million last year, was initially deployed primarily as a wing-back. Under Carrick’s management, Dorgu’s role evolved, seeing him play in more advanced left-sided positions, either as a midfielder or winger, where he has impressed. However, the current defensive frailties could necessitate a return to his earlier role at left-back.
Dorgu’s Versatility: A ‘New Signing’ for United?
Michael Carrick has openly suggested that Dorgu could be a viable option to cover for the absent Luke Shaw. He even likened the prospect of Dorgu returning to full fitness and playing in defence to having a “new signing.”
“He can certainly play there. He has done, without doubt,” Carrick stated. “He actually has been injured, unfortunately, for some time. You could almost argue that he played three or four times for us last season, so for me, he’s almost like a new player, you know, to have, and it’s almost like a new signing in some ways because he’s added so much to the group.”
Carrick further elaborated on Dorgu’s adaptability, noting his experience in different roles for both club and country. “He’s played off the right for Denmark, scored a great goal in the summer playing off the right in a forward position. He can play left-back. He’s that type where he can do a number of things. I’m certainly not saying he can’t do that at all.”
The manager acknowledged that while they haven’t had to rely on Dorgu in defence recently, the situation might change. “It’s something he can, we just haven’t had to explore that. At some point, we might have to, at some point he might do that. He can do that, absolutely no problem. There are times in training when he does it.”
Highlighting Dorgu’s youth and potential, Carrick added, “And then he’s only young, being such a young age and having the attributes that he’s got, we’ve just got to keep trying to get the most out of him.” Dorgu’s potential deployment at left-back against Everton could be a crucial tactical move born out of necessity, offering a versatile and dynamic option to shore up the defence.
Looking Ahead: Everton and Beyond
Securing a positive result against Everton would provide Michael Carrick with another valuable opportunity to climb the Premier League table. However, the persistent injury issues continue to place pressure on the relatively inexperienced manager. The potential return of Dorgu to a defensive role, while born from a crisis, could prove to be a strategic masterstroke, offering a fresh perspective and capability in a position of need. As United navigates this challenging period, their ability to adapt and utilize their squad’s full potential, even in unexpected ways, will be key to maintaining their upward trajectory.
