Manchester United face a selection headache ahead of their Premier League trip to Merseyside on Sunday, with as many as seven players potentially unavailable for the encounter with Everton at Hill Dickinson Stadium.
Michael Carrick’s squad has been plagued by fitness issues across virtually every position, leaving the manager with significant decisions to make before the match.
The injury list continues to cause disruption, though an unexpected solution may have presented itself for one particular problem area.
United claimed an impressive 5-2 victory over Ipswich in their most recent outing, delivering the attacking performance their fanbase had eagerly anticipated.
That result provided a positive response following their opening-day defeat to newly promoted Hull, which saw them lose 2-0.
Another three points this weekend would offer Carrick further opportunity to guide the club up the league standings.
Everton will pose a formidable challenge, particularly on home turf.
However, United travel to the blue half of Merseyside with confidence, having avoided defeat during each of their previous four visits.
Their most recent journey there concluded with a narrow 1-0 success in February, when Benjamin Sesko netted the only goal after halftime.
The forward department has largely escaped the injury troubles affecting other areas of the pitch, though Amad Diallo remains uncertain after suffering a muscle complaint during training.
The club’s £70million summer signing Carlos Baleba continues his recovery from an ankle issue, while Manuel Ugarte faces an extended period on the sidelines and is not anticipated to return until 2027.
Mason Mount has emerged as another concern following a foot injury, though the England international has rejoined his teammates in training.
Defensive selections remain problematic.
Matthijs de Ligt is progressing slowly from a back complaint and is not expected to return before the month’s conclusion at the earliest.
Luke Shaw was substituted in the 73rd minute of the win over Ipswich due to a muscle problem and represents another doubt.
Between the posts, Tom Heaton remains unavailable, though Senne Lammens and Karl Darlow ranking ahead of him in the current order means his unavailability should not unduly worry Carrick.
Despite these setbacks, Carrick may have identified an unconventional remedy for the left-back position in Patrick Dorgu.
The Denmark international joined United from Lecce in a £25million transfer last term and was originally deployed primarily as a wing-back.
His responsibilities shifted following Carrick’s appointment in January, with Dorgu increasingly used further up the pitch on the left side, operating either as a midfielder or winger.
The 21-year-old demonstrated his capabilities in that advanced role, but United’s defensive shortages could now result in him returning to the position he occupied earlier in his time at Old Trafford.
Carrick has indicated that Dorgu could serve as cover for Shaw, even characterising his return to full fitness as comparable to acquiring a new signing.
The manager has confirmed Dorgu’s versatility, noting he can play at left-back and has previously operated on the right flank for his national team, where he found the net during a summer match in an attacking position.
Carrick stated that Dorgu possesses the ability to perform various roles and has demonstrated this capability during training sessions.