Patrick Dorgu Faces Lengthy Layoff After Arsenal Injury

Manchester United’s hard-fought 3-2 victory over Arsenal at the Emirates on Sunday delivered both elation and anxiety for Red Devils fans, as the club confirmed that rising Danish star Patrick Dorgu suffered a significant hamstring injury that could keep him out for up to 10 weeks. The 21-year-old, who has been in scintillating form since being shifted to a left-wing role by interim head coach Michael Carrick, was forced off in the closing stages of the match, clutching his hamstring after a tireless display that saw him net United’s second goal with a thunderous long-range strike.

The injury, initially thought to be mere cramp, has since been revealed as far more serious following further medical assessments. Dorgu, who joined Manchester United from Italian side Lecce just a year ago for £25 million, has rapidly become one of the Premier League’s most exciting young talents. His tally of three goals and three assists in 22 league appearances this season underlines his growing influence, especially since Carrick’s tactical reshuffle that pushed him further forward on the pitch.

"He ended up coming off with a little bit of cramp, hopefully it’s nothing worse. At this stage it’s hard to tell so we’ll just have to wait and see, but we’re hoping it’s not too bad," Carrick told reporters in his post-match press conference, expressing hope that has since been dashed by the club’s medical team. The latest scans indicate Dorgu could be sidelined until at least mid-April, missing United’s next eight Premier League matches and potentially returning for the home clash against Leeds United on April 11, just after the March international break.

Dorgu’s absence comes as a cruel blow not only to Manchester United’s ambitions but also to the player himself, who had just begun to hit his stride in English football. After a period of adaptation under former boss Ruben Amorim, where he was deployed as a wing-back, Dorgu has flourished as a left winger under Carrick’s stewardship. It was his spectacular half-volley against Arsenal—his second goal in as many games, following a crucial strike in the Manchester derby win over City—that showcased his attacking prowess and growing confidence. According to Carrick, "Pat’s been a big player for us over the last couple of games attacking-wise—he’s scored two goals, but in terms of his threat and athleticism and his quality coming in as well. Delighted for him. His two goals are very different goals but you get that because he’s put so much into the performances. It’s nice to see him smiling and happy."

That smile, at least for now, will have to be put on hold. Dorgu’s injury is not just a personal setback but a tactical headache for Carrick, who must now look to alternatives as United navigate a challenging run of fixtures against Fulham, Tottenham, West Ham, and Everton before the end of February. Matheus Cunha, who has started the past two games on the bench but came on to score the winner against Arsenal, is widely tipped to take on a larger role in Dorgu’s absence. The Brazilian’s energy and goal-scoring ability could help offset the loss, but there’s no denying that Dorgu’s recent form had given United a new dimension down the left flank.

Adding to United’s injury woes is the continued absence of Dutch center-back Matthijs de Ligt, who has missed the last 11 games with a persistent back problem. The defensive stalwart, signed from Bayern Munich, has been sorely missed since his injury in early December, further stretching Carrick’s options as the club juggles domestic and European commitments.

United’s supporters, meanwhile, are facing their own battles off the pitch. The 1958, a prominent fan group, have announced plans to protest ahead of the upcoming clash with Fulham at Old Trafford. Their demonstration is aimed squarely at the club’s ownership, both the Glazer family and minority stakeholder Sir Jim Ratcliffe. “Recent results are down to Michael Carrick and the players and they have come in spite of our inept ownership, not because of it,” a spokesperson for The 1958 told ESPN. “This club continues to fumble from one calamity to the next. Fans should not be fooled by two good results. We have been here too many times before. Our protest has never been about performances on the pitch. Not now, and not once in the last 21 years. We are judging a dysfunctional ownership model that has repeatedly failed Manchester United.”

Despite the off-field turmoil, Carrick’s impact on the pitch has been undeniable. Since taking over from Ruben Amorim, he has guided United to consecutive wins over their two fiercest rivals—Manchester City and Arsenal—injecting renewed optimism and belief into a squad that had looked short on ideas earlier in the campaign. Dorgu’s transformation has been one of the standout stories of Carrick’s tenure so far. Sky Sports pundit Gary Neville remarked, "Patrick Dorgu looked like such an average wing-back under Ruben Amorim. Further forward he looks like a completely and utterly different player."

For Dorgu, the timing of his injury could hardly be worse. Not only was he enjoying his best spell since arriving in Manchester, but he was also expected to feature for Denmark in the upcoming World Cup play-offs during the March international window. While the full extent of his absence remains to be seen, it’s clear that both club and country will feel the impact of his loss.

United’s fixture list doesn’t allow much time for reflection. With eight Premier League matches scheduled before the March break, Carrick will need to rely on the depth and adaptability of his squad. The likes of Matheus Cunha and Benjamin Sesko, who replaced Dorgu in the 81st minute against Arsenal, will be thrust into the spotlight. Meanwhile, United fans will be hoping that De Ligt’s recovery progresses smoothly, easing the burden on a back line that has been stretched thin.

As for Dorgu, his journey at Old Trafford has already had its share of ups and downs—a big-money move from Lecce, a tough adaptation period, and now, just as he was beginning to fulfill his promise, a frustrating spell on the sidelines. Yet if his recent performances are anything to go by, there’s every reason to believe he’ll return even stronger. For now, though, Manchester United must press on without one of their brightest young stars, as the Premier League season enters a crucial phase.