Manchester United face Fulham this weekend at Old Trafford, but the match could be challenging due to several key injuries within the squad. Interim head coach Michael Carrick, who has led the team to impressive victories over Manchester City and Arsenal since taking charge after the dismissal of Ruben Amorim, must now navigate these difficulties as his side looks to secure another win in the Premier League.
One of the most significant concerns is the injury to Patrick Dorgu, who sustained a setback during the recent match against Arsenal. Carrick confirmed that Dorgu will require time for recovery, stating, “Pat unfortunately is going to be out for a period of time. Still working through how long that is going to be.” This injury is particularly disappointing given Dorgu’s strong form in recent weeks. The coach indicated that the situation appears more serious than initially thought, with a potential return date set for late February.
In positive news, Joshua Zirkzee has returned to training and could be available for selection against Fulham. Carrick expressed relief at Zirkzee’s return, noting, “Josh is back training this week, which is good news.” The coach has not yet decided if he will feature immediately, stating that his integration into the squad will be assessed as the match approaches.
Another player facing a prolonged absence is defender Matthijs De Ligt, who has been sidelined since November due to a back injury. Carrick provided an update during a press conference, indicating that De Ligt is still away from training and is “working through the process of getting him back as soon as we can.” The timeline for his return remains uncertain, with February being the anticipated window.
As Manchester United prepares for this crucial match against Fulham, Carrick’s ability to manage the squad amid these injury challenges will be tested. The interim head coach remarked on the importance of squad depth, stating, “It is not ideal, of course it is not, we don’t want to lose good players from the group. That is part of having a squad.”
Fans will be keenly watching to see how Carrick addresses these injuries and whether United can continue their winning momentum in the Premier League.
