Shaw ruled out of Manchester derby as Carrick calls injury 'very small'

Luke Shaw has missed Manchester United’s Premier League derby against Manchester City after failing to prove his fitness in time, with head coach Michael Carrick describing the injury as minor but ultimately decisive in his absence.

Shaw was substituted during United’s draw with Everton last weekend and did not train ahead of the midweek Champions League victory over Sabah FK. Carrick had said the full-back would be assessed before the derby, but he could not convince the coaching staff he was ready.

“[He was] close, very close,” Carrick told reporters before kick-off. “Just not quite there, so it’s very small but just, unfortunately, not for today.”

Patrick Dorgu fills in at left-back, having started in the same position against Sabah FK in midweek. The Denmark international arrived in January and has been used predominantly as a winger under Carrick, but the United head coach has previously acknowledged Dorgu’s ability to operate in a defensive role.

“He can certainly play there,” Carrick said earlier this month. “He has done, without doubt. I’m not sitting here saying he can’t do that. It’s just the way we’ve been since I’ve been here.”

Dorgu’s inclusion is the only change from the Everton draw. Notably, Benjamin Sesko does not start despite scoring in midweek, with Matheus Cunha continuing as the central striker in the Premier League fixture.