Manchester United host Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday as Michael Carrick takes charge of his third match after replacing Ruben Amorim earlier in January
Michael Carrick is likely without three players this weekend(Image: Robbie Jay Barratt – AMA/Getty Images)
Manchester United welcome Fulham to Old Trafford on Sunday, with Michael Carrick looking to maintain his impressive 100 per cent record after wins over Manchester City and Arsenal. The former England midfielder must find three points without a number of players, however.
A shining star of Carrick’s short tenure thus far, Patrick Dorgu, picked up an injury against the Gunners. The Denmark international scored and was voted man of the match but lasted just 81 minutes before he was forced off the field, replaced by Benjamin Sesko.
Now it appears the prognosis is at the worst end of United fears, and the former Lecce ace will be absent for a matter of weeks. Matthijs de Ligt joins him on the sidelines as the Dutchman continues his own rehabilitation back onto the field.
Joshua Zirkzee did return to training, however. Carrick is pleased to have the ex-Bologna forward at his disposal, but it remains to be seen if he is fit enough to feature against the Cottagers.
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“Josh [Zirkzee] is back training this week, which is good news,” Carrick said in his press conference. “He has been out for a short amount of time, first training with us since we have been here, so that is great to have Josh back.
“Pat [Dorgu], unfortunately, is going to be out for a period of time. Still working through how long that is going to be. Disappointing because he has had such a big couple of weeks, we weren’t sure if it was a little bit of cramp or if it was something more serious. At the moment it is looking a little bit more of a serious note.
“A few weeks out, how many weeks? We will have to wait and see. It is disappointing for all of us and Pat, he is in such a good place, but unfortunately it is part of football and something you have got to work through and get him back as soon as we can.
Patrick Dorgu faces a period on the sidelines(Image: PA)
“De Ligt is not training with us yet. Just working through the process of getting him back as soon as we can.”
Fulham boss Marco Silva is without Sasa Lukic and Rodrigo Muniz. The former is expected to be missing for a further month following a thigh injury. Meanwhile, Silva revealed Muniz has returned to training, but the game against United comes too soon for the forward to feature.
There is greater uncertainty over new signing Oscar Bobb. The £27million arrival from Manchester City is in ‘good condition’ but the former Everton and Watford coach reckons it’s ‘probably too soon’ for his debut.
“I’m very pleased,” Silva said on Bobb’s signing. “It is a very, very good move for us.
“Now it is up to us to make sure he is in the best physical condition he can be, because I’m sure he is going to be a very good signing for the football club.”
Fulham are likely to welcome back Kenny Tete and Samuel Chukwueze this weekend.
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