In what is undoubtedly a disastrous news for Manchester United and Michael Carrick, The Athletic has confirmed that Patrick Dorgu is facing a spell on the sidelines after picking up a hamstring injury that could keep him out for around 10 weeks. The 21-year-old was hurt while sprinting after a long ball in the second half of United’s dramatic 3–2 win over Arsenal, a match in which he also scored a superb half-volley. Manchester United are still assessing the injury, with the exact recovery timeline yet to be confirmed.
Dorgu injury more serious than initially thought and comes at the worst time for Manchester United and Michael Carrick
The latest diagnosis is a major setback compared to the early optimism shown after the final whistle. Speaking after the game in north London, interim boss Michael Carrick initially played down the issue, suggesting Patrick Dorgu had likely come off due to cramps caused by the intense clash with league leaders Arsenal. However, further checks have since confirmed a muscular injury, ruling the young winger out until spring and halting the momentum he had built over the last couple of weeks.
The timing of Patrick Dorgu’s injury feels especially harsh given his rapid rise in form following the departure of Ruben Amorim. Under the previous setup, the former Lecce player was mainly used as a wing-back, with defensive duties restricting his impact going forward. Since Michael Carrick took charge, Dorgu has been pushed higher up the pitch as a left-winger in a 4-2-3-1 system, a change that has paid instant dividends.
The Dane has been central to Manchester United’s recent revival, scoring in back-to-back league wins against Manchester City and Arsenal. His long-range strike against Arsenal underlined the attacking threat he brings when given freedom in advanced areas. Overall, he has made 22 Premier League appearances this season, contributing three goals and three assists. With his injury ruling him out, United now face the challenge of reshaping their attack just as they seemed to have found a winning formula.
The number of matches Dorgu is expected to miss for Man Utd after his injury
If the estimated 10-week recovery period holds, Patrick Dorgu is set to miss United’s next eight matches across all competitions. It comes at a crucial point in the season, with Manchester United pushing up the table and chasing European qualification. The injury is expected to sideline him throughout February and March, with a return likely only after the next international break. A home clash against Leeds United on April 11 has been earmarked as a possible comeback date. Until then, United must cope without one of their most energetic attacking threats, while Dorgu faces a race to regain sharpness for the season’s closing stretch.
Dorgu joins another key Manchester United player in the injured list
The Dorgu injury further deepens the fitness problems piling up at Carrington Training Centre. Patrick Dorgu now joins Matthijs de Ligt on the treatment table, with the Dutch defender having already missed 11 matches after picking up a back injury in early December. Losing another regular starter places added strain on Michael Carrick’s options as he looks to steady the ship during his interim spell in charge
Our Opinion of Patrick Dorgu's latest injury setback
The saddest part about this injury is that it couldn't have happened at a worse time than this for Dorgu. He has been nothing less than sensational under Michael Carrick, and looked like a player who had the whole world at his feet. His absence will have a devastating effect on Manchester United's attack as well, which will now force interim manager Michael Carrick to come up with other solutions to continue United's excellent form.
As for Dorgu, he must now be patient, and slowly work himself towards a safe return from the Injury. Although this setback might have affected him drastically mentally, the Danish star is a gifted player and we are absolutely certain that he'll make a grand comeback from this.
The injury to Dorgu is also a reminder of the cruel and unexpected nature of sports, as one single day could make you go from feeling top of the world to absolute helplessness. We are wishing all the best to Dorgu and cannot wait for him to make a swift recovery and get back to scoring goals for Man Utd.
