Manchester United expected squad vs Fulham as Patrick Dorgu’s Academy replacements named (FA Cup)

Rúben Amorim has multiple ways he can replace Patrick Dorgu as Manchester United prepare to take on Fulham in an FA Cup tie at Old Trafford this weekend.

Manchester United resume their FA Cup campaign on Sunday as they welcome Fulham to Old Trafford for a fifth-round showdown.

Their journey in the competition so far has seen them edge past Arsenal in a tense penalty shootout following a 1-1 draw at the Emirates, before a stoppage-time Harry Maguire winner sealed a 2-1 victory over Leicester City.

Rúben Amorim’s side come into this fixture off the back of a 3-2 Premier League win against Ipswich Town, though another shaky defensive display has done little to ease concerns.

With United sitting 14th in the league, lifting the FA Cup remains their most realistic route to Europa League qualification—unless they go the distance in Europe and book a Champions League spot.

Amorim’s possible Dorgu replacement

During his pre-match press conference, Amorim confirmed that he does not expect any of the current injured crop to return in time to face Fulham.

Therefore, any replacement for Patrick Dorgu, suspended due to a red card received against Ipswich Town, would have to come from the Academy.

Fortunately for Amorim, he still has seven first-team defenders to pick from, while only having four midfielders, meaning he may choose to include Sekou Kone in the squad as a reserve option.

There is also the possibility that young left-back Harry Amass may be selected as a reserve option as well. However, this may be a less likely choice after the 17-year-old played 90 minutes plus extra time against Arsenal U18s in the FA Youth Cup on Friday evening.

Amorim has two spaces to fill after he only selected 19 players of a possible 20 against Ipswich, meaning both Kone and Amass may find themselves included on the bench.

Meanwhile, the head coach also confirmed Alejandro Garnacho had suffered a slight knock during mid-week and faced a late fitness test, although Amorim also said he expects Garnacho to be ready to play.

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Beyond this, there are no other injury concerns following the Ipswich game, meaning the rest of the squad who were selected against Ipswich will presumably continue their involvement on Sunday afternoon.

Reports have already confirmed that 17-year-old striker Chido Obi will be with the first team again on Sunday.

United predicted squad vs Fulham

Goalkeepers: André Onana, Hubert Graczyk, Elyh Harrison.
Defenders: Matthijs de Ligt, Harry Maguire, Leny Yoro, Diogo Dalot, Victor Lindelöf, Noussair Mazraoui, Ayden Heaven.
Midfielders: Manuel Ugarte, Bruno Fernandes, Casemiro, Christian Eriksen, Sekou Kone.
Forwards: Joshua Zirkzee, Rasmus Højlund, Alejandro Garnacho, Chido Obi.

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