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Patrick Dorgu’s season has hit a frustrating bump. It felt like he had become one of the first names on the team sheet.
Manchester United initially thought it was cramps. Reports now suggest the hamstring injury the 21-year-old suffered in the away win against Arsenal is more serious – iI could rule him out for up to 10 weeks.
This is important because the Denmark international didn’t just make up the numbers; he provided United with energy, direct running and a constant outlet on the left.
Michael Carrick now faces a decision: replace Dorgu with a similar option or change form and thus change the role of his replacement.
What Dorgu United actually gave
Dorgu’s value wasn’t just in the final third, as he helped United get onto the pitch quicker.
When United were under pressure, he provided the legs to turn space into territory. Without him, United’s left side can easily become sluggish and predictable, especially when the pace drops.
Carrick now has the choice between two very different solutions: Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount.
The case for Cunha
Cunha is a streetwise maverick who can be the X-factor. He can receive on the half turn, turn in tight spaces, drag defenders out of position and turn nothing into something.
United often have difficulty breaking down teams that are in a low block. The 26-year-old has the individual brilliance in his locker to grab the game by the scruff of the neck and be the difference maker.
The Brazil international also gives United a real threat in transition. This becomes even more important if they miss an engine like Dorgu.
The trade-off, however, is positional discipline. Cunha thrives in chaotic situations. United therefore need organization and structure behind him so that he can unlock stubborn defenses with his dogged determination.
The argument for Mount
Mount links play efficiently and keep attacks alive with clever, subtle touches.
The 27-year-old will not match Dorgu’s pace and strength. However, he is able to swing the momentum of a match in United’s favor by keeping his side at the forefront in the final build-up phase.
The England international’s ability to apply pressure intelligently and effectively can also help keep the team’s overall form stable.
The disadvantage, however, is that the left side loses strength and aggression. Luke Shaw will therefore have to be even more adventurous and overlap the counter-attack from the full-back, to compensate for the lack of natural penetration down that flank.
Lisandro Martinez will also need to make more risk-tolerant passes into the half-spaces so that United can create more scoring chances through the channels.
In the final analysis
The answer will depend on the opponent’s strategy, the state of the game and whether Carrick has the tactical knowledge to execute the required plan.
The People’s Person currently leaning towards Mount over Cunha at the time of writing due to the Englishman’s superior football IQ. However, it could even be as simple as Bryan Mbeumo and Amad out wide, with Benjamin Sesko up front.
Regardless of the outcome, Dorgu’s absence will be painfully felt. The most rational thing Carrick can do now is be decisive, not cautious.
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