Patrick Dorgu injury worsens Manchester United crisis for Michael Carrick
Old TraffordManchester United have been dealt another devastating blow after defender Patrick Dorgu limped out of Denmark’s international fixture against Wales.
The 21-year-old lasted just half an hour of the fixture before pulling up with what appeared to be a hamstring problem.
Dorgu was replaced by Reims attacker Mohamed Daramy, leaving United manager Michael Carrick facing an even deeper selection crisis.
A costly international break
The Danish full-back went down holding his left thigh while his national side were attacking, eventually lying down on the turf to receive medical attention.
The injury occurred shortly after Dorgu made an overlapping run around team-mate Joakim Maehle.
Though he managed to pass the ball and hobble back into position, he went down after passing a through ball using his left foot.
He was helped off the pitch by two members of the Denmark medical staff, having previously looked lively on the flank.
Reflecting on the player’s early impact, BBC commentator Simon Davies noted that Dorgu had been heavily involved in Denmark’s attacking play.
Co-commentator Nia Jones added that the Danish coaching staff were sensible not to take any unnecessary risks with the young defender.
Speaking to Danish outlet Bold.dk, Denmark head coach Brian Riemer confirmed the player’s immediate departure from the national camp.
Riemer said:
“He has an injury and he has to go home. Now we have to bring someone in, that’s clear.”
The setback is particularly worrying for United fans given Dorgu’s history with similar muscular problems.
The defender previously suffered a hamstring injury in January during a victory over Arsenal, which sidelined him for three months.
Carrick under mounting pressure
Carrick is already feeling the heat at Old Trafford following a disappointing start to the Premier League campaign.
United currently sit 12th in the table, having picked up a mere five points from their opening five fixtures.
With the club already knocked out of the Carabao Cup, the manager desperately needs positive results to turn his fortunes around.
However, his squad is being rapidly depleted by a relentless wave of fitness issues during this international window.
A growing list of casualties
Dorgu is far from the only first-team player currently occupying a spot in the United treatment room.
Marcus Rashford and Kobbie Mainoo both pulled out of the England squad prior to the break to nurse their own injuries.
Portuguese playmaker Bruno Fernandes also picked up an injury on international duty, while Slovenia’s Benjamin Sesko remains sidelined with a shin issue.
Furthermore, Amad Diallo and Matthijs de Ligt were left out of their respective national squads to focus on recovering from pre-existing fitness problems.
Crucial fixtures on the horizon
Carrick will be praying for swift recoveries as United prepare for a highly demanding run of fixtures.
The Red Devils return to action on October 10 with a home match against Tottenham Hotspur.
Pivotal games against Atletico Madrid and Leeds United follow shortly after, matches that could ultimately decide Carrick’s future at the club.
Having Dorgu unavailable would represent a major loss, even if the young defender has seen limited action in recent weeks.
He was rested for the cup tie against Brighton and only featured as a late substitute against Fulham, where he set up Matheus Cunha for the equalising goal.
