Dorgu replacement: Carrick should turn to Ten Hag flop to revive his United career – opinion

Patrick Dorgu’s season has hit a frustrating bump. It had just started to feel as though he had become one of the first names on the teamsheet. Manchester United initially thought it was cramp. Reports now suggest the hamstring injury the 21-year-old suffered in the away victory against Arsenal is more serious – it could rule him out for up to 10 weeks. This matters because the Denmark international was not just making up the numebrs; he was providing United with energy, direct running, and a constant outlet on the left. Michael Carrick faces a decision now: either replace Dorgu with a like-for-like option or change the shape and, therefore, alter the role of his replacement. What Dorgu actually gave United Dorgu’s value was not only in the final third, as he helped United move up the pitch more quickly. When United were under pressure, he provided the legs to turn space into territory. Without him, United’s left side can easily become slow and predictable, especially if the tempo drops. Carrick now has a 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 is able to receive on the half-turn, swivel in tight spaces, drag defenders out of position, and turn nothing into something. United often struggle to break down teams who sit in a low block. The 26-year-old has the individual brilliance in his locker to take the game by the scruff of the neck and be the difference-maker. The Brazilian international also gives United a genuine threat in transition. This becomes even more important when they are missing an engine like Dorgu. The trade-off, however, is positional discipline. Cunha thrives in chaotic situations. United, therefore, need organisation and structure behind him so he can unlock stubborn defences with his dogged determination. The argument for Mount Mount links play efficiently and keeps attacks alive with clever, subtle touches. The 27-year-old will not replicate Dorgu’s pace and power. He is, however, capable of swinging the momentum of a match in United’s favour by keeping his side on the front foot in the final phase of build-up. The England international’s ability to press intelligently and effectively can also help the team’s overall shape remain stable. The drawback, however, is that the left side loses strength and aggression. Luke Shaw, therefore, will need to be even more adventurous, overlapping from full-back on the counter-attack, to offset the lack of natural penetration down that flank. Lisandro Martinez will also have to play more risk-tolerant passes in the half-spaces so that United can create more goal-scoring opportunities through the channels. In the final analysis The answer will depend on the opponent’s strategy, the game state, and whether Carrick has the tactical nous to execute the required plan. The Peoples Person is currently leaning towards Mount over Cunha at the time of writing due to the Englishman’s superior football IQ. It could even, however, be as simple as Bryan Mbeumo and Amad out wide, with Benjamin Sesko up front. No matter the outcome, Dorgu’s absence will be sorely felt. The most rational thing that Carrick can do now is to be decisive and not cautious. Featured image Ion Alcoba Beitia via Getty Images The Peoples Person has been one of the world’s leading Man United news sites for over a decade. Follow us on Bluesky: @peoplesperson.bsky.social Okari Wambunya Okari Wambunya is a football writer at The Peoples Person, covering Manchester United with fast, source-led updates on team news, transfers, and matchday reaction. A former teacher, he now coaches grassroots football and continues to support young people through academic mentoring and youth work. He holds a BA (Hons) in English from Brunel University London and an MA in Education from King’s College London, with experience across digital journalism and broadcast sports media. Okari first praised Michael Carrick in a blog post he wrote at 16 years old in 2014; over a decade later, Man United appointing Carrick as interim head coach feels like a full-circle moment.