Michael Carrick has just faced the first major challenge in his role as interim coach of Manchester United, when Patrick Dorgu was confirmed to be out for about 10 weeks due to a hamstring injury.
Dorgu is the most prominent face since Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim. The Danish player scored in both important victories, 2-0 against Man City and 3-2 on Arsenal's field. Being pulled from the role of left-back in Amorim's 3-4-2-1 system to play left-back in Carrick's 4-2-3-1 formation, Dorgu became a new discovery.
Dorgu was injured in the match against Arsenal and is expected to be absent for about 10 weeks. If on schedule, he could miss about 8 Premier League matches and only have time to return in the confrontation with Leeds on April 11.
Carrick kept the starting lineup in the first two matches he coached, but in the near future he will be forced to adjust.
Mason Mount
Due to not being able to use Jadon Sancho or Marcus Rashford (currently on loan), while Alejandro Garnacho was sold to Chelsea in the summer of 2025 after a conflict with Amorim, Mason Mount emerged as the most direct replacement for Dorgu's position.
Mount used to play left-handed under Amorim and was quite comfortable when tied to the center with his right foot. He was on the bench and was not used against Arsenal, after coming on to replace Bruno Fernandes in the Manchester derby. Although his stats at Man United are not impressive (7 goals, 2 assists after 66 appearances), Mount is highly appreciated for his intensity of activity and position discipline.
If Carrick gives Mount a starting spot against Fulham, Luke Shaw is likely to be asked to push up more actively, and the English midfielder will play best when there is space to cling to the center.
Matheus Cunha
Another direction is to adjust the attacking structure. Carrick used Bryan Mbeumo as a center forward in the first two matches and achieved clear efficiency, when the Cameroonian international scored against both Man City and Arsenal. However, the impact of Matheus Cunha from the bench is unavoidable, and the Brazilian striker also publicly wants to start.
Cunha came on to replace Mbeumo in the 69th minute against Arsenal and scored the beautiful decisive goal. That was a combination with Kobbie Mainoo and then a curling shot from outside the penalty area. He played best when playing behind a center forward, but he could also start from the left and then curl up to take advantage of his right foot.
Amad
Man United currently has a left-footed player in the main squad, Amad. The Ivory Coast international prefers the right wing and is often inside, but can completely switch to the opposite wing to play as a traditional wing midfielder.
If Carrick chooses this option, Mbeumo can return to the right wing, Cunha is pushed up to play higher, and Bruno Fernandes continues to take on the number 10 role. However, Carrick may not want to "put" the player in the opposite position of his forte, because his initial success came from simplifying and putting the player in the right place.
Shea Lacey
Carrick has repeatedly emphasized his belief in the academy, which was assessed as declining during the Amorim period. The English coach also has close links with the group of young players and certainly understands Shea Lacey's potential.
The 18-year-old winger has made two appearances in the Premier League this season, and also received a red card in the 1-2 defeat to Brighton in the FA Cup earlier this month. Lacey is like Amad in that he plays better on the right wing and tends to cling inside, but may be given more opportunities in the context that Carrick needs a new option when Dorgu is absent for a long time.
