LONDON, ENGLAND - JANUARY 25: Patrick Dorgu of Manchester United celebrates his team's 2nd goal during the Premier League match
Patrick Dorgu could face over two months out injured (Image: Getty Images)
Michael Carrick faces his first significant challenge as Manchester United interim manager following the unwelcome revelation that Patrick Dorgu will be sidelined for 10 weeks with a hamstring problem. The Danish international has been the standout performer since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim, finding the net in both the 2-0 victory over Manchester City and the thrilling 3-2 triumph at Arsenal. Repositioned from left wing-back in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 setup to left winger in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 system, his transformation has been remarkable.
Gary Neville captured the shift on Sky Sports, saying: "Patrick Dorgu looked like such an average wing-back under Ruben Amorim. Further forward he looks like a completely and utterly different player." United will now be without him for approximately 10 weeks after his efforts against Arsenal led to a hamstring setback. He is expected to miss eight Premier League fixtures, with a possible comeback against Leeds on April 11. Carrick fielded an unchanged starting line-up for his opening two matches at the helm but must now adjust. So what are his options?
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1 - Mason Mount
Carrick lacks the option of deploying Jadon Sancho or Marcus Rashford, both currently on loan at Aston Villa and Barcelona respectively, or Alejandro Garnacho, who departed to Chelsea for £40million last summer following his disagreement with Amorim.
The most logical replacement for Dorgu appears to be Mason Mount. The United midfielder has featured on the left flank as one of the attacking midfielders under Amorim's stewardship and feels at ease drifting inward onto his preferred right foot.
Mount remained on the bench unused against Arsenal after stepping in for Bruno Fernandes during the Manchester Derby. The 27 year old demonstrates commitment and possesses the tactical awareness that has endeared him to previous United managers, despite a modest tally of seven goals and two assists across 66 club appearances.
Should Carrick choose to field Mount in the upcoming fixture against Fulham, he would probably expect greater attacking contributions from Luke Shaw in overlapping runs, given Mount's preference for cutting inside.
Manchester United v Manchester City - Premier League
Mason Mount is an option to start for Michael Carrick (Image: Getty)
2 - Matheus Cunha
The alternative approach involves reshuffling the forward line. Carrick has deployed Bryan Mbeumo as a sole striker in both his matches thus far with impressive results, as the Cameroon international found the net against City and Arsenal.
However, Matheus Cunha's influence from the substitutes' bench in both encounters cannot be overlooked - and the Brazilian has expressed his eagerness to earn a starting berth. Cunha netted a brilliant winner at Arsenal after replacing Mbeumo in the 69th minute, combining with Kobbie Mainoo before bending the ball into the bottom corner from outside the area.
He thrives in central areas, ideally operating behind another forward, but possesses the versatility to begin on the left flank and cut inside onto his potent right foot.
3 - Amad Diallo
United do possess a left-footed player in their starting eleven: Amad. The Ivory Coast international naturally favours the right flank and cuts infield, but could be repositioned on the opposite wing to function as a conventional winger.
Should this occur, Mbeumo could return to the right, where he featured under Amorim, with Cunha leading the line and Bruno Fernandes occupying the No. 10 position.
Amad has demonstrated tactical adaptability, having been deployed as a right wing-back by Amorim.
Nevertheless, Carrick may be reluctant to force too many players out of position, considering his early achievements at United have stemmed from streamlining tactics and utilising players in their optimal roles.
Arsenal v Manchester United - Premier League
Amad Diallo could inhert the left wing spot (Image: Getty)
4 - Shea Lacey
Carrick has consistently expressed his faith in the United youth system, whose standing suffered during the Amorim period.
The former United midfielder maintains strong connections with the club's youngsters and will be fully aware of Shea Lacey's abilities. The 18-year-old winger has featured twice as a substitute in the Premier League this campaign, though he received his marching orders during the 2-1 FA Cup loss to Brighton earlier this month.
Similar to Amad, he prefers operating from the right flank, drifting infield onto his left foot, but may be granted additional chances in the forthcoming weeks.