Manchester United’s Patrick Dorgu is expected to be sidelined for approximately 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old midfielder sustained the injury while pursuing a long ball during the second half of United’s 3-2 victory over league leaders Arsenal on October 29, 2023. Dorgu notably scored a stunning half-volley from outside the box during the match, contributing significantly to his team’s success.
Following the match, United’s interim head coach Michael Carrick commented on Dorgu’s condition, stating in a press conference that the player “came off with, hopefully, a little bit of cramp.” However, the club continues to assess the severity of the injury, leaving the timeline for his recovery uncertain.
Impact on Manchester United
Dorgu’s injury represents a significant setback for Manchester United. Previously utilized primarily as a wing-back under former coach Ruben Amorim, Dorgu has recently been adapted to a left-wing role in Carrick’s 4-2-3-1 formation. In this new position, he has started in consecutive victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, showcasing his scoring ability and enhancing the team’s attacking options.
If Dorgu is indeed out for 10 weeks, he will miss United’s next eight matches, including critical fixtures. His potential return would be timed with the international break in March, leading up to a match against Leeds United on April 11. Dorgu’s absence will be felt keenly, particularly as he joins Matthijs de Ligt on the sidelines, who has been out for the last 11 matches due to a back issue sustained in early December.
Recent Performance and Future Prospects
This season, Dorgu has made 22 appearances in the Premier League, recording three goals and three assists. He joined Manchester United on February 2, 2022, from Serie A club Lecce for £25 million (approximately $33.7 million) and has since made a total of 44 appearances for the club. His recent form has shown a marked improvement, scoring three goals in his last five games, including a spectacular strike against Arsenal and a goal in the Manchester derby.
“Dorgu’s injury is a cruel blow to both United and the player himself,” remarked Manchester United correspondent Mark Critchley. “It arrives on the back of his best week since arriving at Old Trafford a year ago.”
As Manchester United navigates this challenging period, Matheus Cunha is expected to step into the left-wing role during Dorgu’s absence. Despite Cunha’s capabilities, the team will need to adjust to the loss of a player who has found his stride in recent weeks. Dorgu’s progress and development have been promising, and his absence will certainly challenge United’s depth as they aim to maintain their competitive edge in the Premier League.
