Injury crisis forces Carrick to consider Dorgu positional switch for Everton trip

Manchester United head to Everton’s Hill Dickinson Stadium on Sunday carrying an injury list of up to seven players, with manager Michael Carrick weighing a positional reshuffle to cover the gaps in his squad.

The visit comes on the back of a 5-2 Premier League win over Ipswich last weekend — a result that offered genuine encouragement after a chastening 2-0 opening-day defeat to Hull. Carrick will be hoping his side can build on that momentum, though Everton at home represents a considerably sterner test.

United’s defensive options are particularly stretched. Matthijs de Ligt is still recovering from a back problem and is unlikely to return before the end of the month. Luke Shaw was withdrawn in the 73rd minute against Ipswich with a muscle injury and is a doubt, while goalkeeper Tom Heaton also remains unavailable.

In midfield, £70m summer signing Carlos Baleba is sidelined with an ankle problem, and Manuel Ugarte faces a prolonged absence that is not expected to end until 2027. Mason Mount sustained a foot injury but has since returned to training, with Carrick offering a cautious update. “Mase is back around the group, which was great. Trained this week, so that’s a big positive for us,” the manager said.

Amad Diallo is also a doubt after picking up a muscle issue in training, adding to the pressure on an already thin forward line.

One potential solution to the left-back problem has emerged in the form of Patrick Dorgu. The Denmark international joined United from Lecce in a £25m deal and could be asked to operate in a different role to his usual position if Shaw is ruled out. The 20-year-old’s versatility may prove a timely asset for Carrick as he pieces together a starting XI.

Despite the mounting absences, United have reason for quiet confidence at the Hill Dickinson Stadium. They have avoided defeat on each of their last four visits to Everton, most recently claiming a 1-0 win in February courtesy of a Benjamin Sesko goal after the interval.

A positive result on Sunday would allow Carrick to push United further up the Premier League table, while another setback would inevitably intensify scrutiny on the relatively inexperienced head coach.