Michael Carrick confirms extent of Patrick Dorgu injury

Manchester United’s momentum has been gathering pace at a crucial stage of the season, with confidence finally starting to replace uncertainty.

Big performances have lifted belief around Old Trafford, particularly as the fight for Champions League qualification intensifies.

Young players have stepped forward in recent weeks, injecting energy and freshness into a side that has often looked stretched.

Supporters have responded to that fearlessness, rallying behind emerging figures who have embraced responsibility.

One such rise, however, has now been halted just as it was beginning to gather serious traction.

Manchester United will be without one of their most in-form performers after Patrick Dorgu suffered an injury during the dramatic 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.

The Denmark international delivered a standout display in north London, capping a superb all-round performance with a thunderous long-range strike that proved pivotal on the night.

Dorgu’s influence did not go unnoticed, with supporters voting him Man of the Match.

However, his night ended early when he was forced off in the 81st minute, with Benjamin Sesko introduced in his place as United attempted to see out the win.

Speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Sunday’s Premier League clash against Fulham, interim coach Michael Carrick confirmed that the 21-year-old will now spend time on the sidelines.

“Pat, unfortunately, he’s going to be out for a period of time,” Carrick said.

“We’re still working through how long that’s going to be.

“We’ll have to see, [it’s] disappointing, he’s had such a big couple of weeks, Pat.

“We weren’t sure whether it was a little bit of cramp or whether it was something a little bit more serious and at the moment it looks a little bit more on the serious note.

“So, it’ll be a few weeks for that. How many weeks? We’ll have to wait and see.

“So, that’s disappointing for all of us really, and for Pat, he’s in such a good place, but unfortunately it is part of football and it’s something we’ve got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.”

Although Carrick reiterated that he does not know the duration Patrick Dorgu will be out for, The Athletic reported a timeline of 10 weeks.

The setback comes at a frustrating time for both player and club, with Dorgu having featured in every United match this season apart from the 3-2 home win over Burnley in August, when he was an unused substitute.

His availability had underlined his growing importance to the side, making the timing of the injury particularly cruel.

United will now be forced to reshuffle ahead of Fulham’s visit to Old Trafford on Sunday, with Dorgu confirmed to miss the clash against the Cottagers.