Manchester United: Michael Carrick confirms worst Patrick Dorgu injury fears in three-man update | OneFootball

Carrick has also addressed Joshua Zirkzee’s future as the Man United striker closes in on a return to action

Manchester United have been dealt a major blow after Michael Carrick confirmed Patrick Dorgu faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

Dorgu was replaced late on against Arsenal last weekend, clutching his right hamstring after sprinting for a ball over the top.

Carrick initially hoped the in-form Denmark international - a scorer on his last two appearances - was suffering from cramp, but it was reported that Dorgu could be out for up to ten weeks.

An official update on the 21-year-old was provided when Carrick faced the media in the pre-Fulham press conference on Friday, and the Man Utd head coach confirmed the worst news possible.

"Pat is going to be out for a period of time," Carrick said. "We're still working through how long that's going to be.

"He's had such a good couple of weeks and we weren't sure if it was cramp or something more serious, but it looks more serious.

"Whether it's a few weeks or more, we're going to have to wait and see.

"Unfortunately, it's something you have to work through in football."

Injury blow: Patrick Dorgu

Mike Egerton/PA Wire

Matthijs de Ligt remains sidelined with a back problem. However, some positive news for Man United is that Joshua Zirzkee is back in training after missing the last two games with a knock.

Zirkzee has been linked with an Old Trafford exit ahead of transfer Deadline Day, prompting Carrick to address those transfer rumours.

“Yeah, Josh is back training this week, which is good news,” Carrick added. “Obviously, first time... so he's been out for a short amount of time, but first kind of training with us since we've been here, so that's great to have Josh back.

“Josh has just been trying to work and get fit around the group. He trained yesterday for the first time and that’s as far as it goes with me and Josh.

“I’m looking forward to working with him and nothing more needs to be said.”