Dorgu set for defensive switch as United face seven-man injury crisis at Everton

Manchester United head to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday carrying an injury list of up to seven players, with manager Michael Carrick considering moving £25m signing Patrick Dorgu into defence to plug the gaps.

The Red Devils arrive on Merseyside in decent form after a 5-2 demolition of Ipswich last weekend, a result that helped erase the memory of a 2-0 opening-day defeat to newly promoted Hull. A fourth consecutive unbeaten visit to Everton would further ease pressure on the inexperienced Carrick, but the squad’s fitness picture complicates preparations significantly.

Dorgu, who joined from Lecce last year and initially operated as a wing-back before being pushed further forward when Carrick replaced Ruben Amorim in January, could now be asked to drop back to left-back in place of Luke Shaw. The England international was substituted in the 73rd minute against Ipswich with a muscle problem, leaving his availability uncertain.

The injury concerns extend across every area of the pitch. In midfield, £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba remains sidelined with an ankle problem, while Manuel Ugarte is a long-term absentee not expected back until 2027. Mason Mount is also a doubt after a foot injury, though Carrick offered some encouragement on that front. “Mase is back around the group, which was great. Trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us,” the manager said.

At the back, Matthijs de Ligt is out with a back injury and is not expected to return until at least the end of the month. Goalkeeper Tom Heaton is also unavailable, though his absence is considered less critical given Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow are ahead of him in the pecking order.

In attack, Amad Diallo remains a doubt after picking up a muscle injury in training, though most of United’s other forwards are fit. United’s most recent visit to Everton ended in a 1-0 win in February, with Benjamin Sesko scoring the decisive goal in the second half. Another positive result would give Carrick’s side the platform to climb the Premier League table.