Rúben Amorim could be set to make a big change to his starting lineup for Manchester United’s visit to Manchester City on Sunday, 14 September.
Manchester United went into the international break on a positive note after winning 3-2 at home to Burnley, but it is impossible to forget the disappointment of the mid-week defeat to Grimsby Town in the Carabao Cup.
Goals from Bryan Mbeumo and Bruno Fernandes – with an own goal from Josh Cullen – earned United three points in another impressive performance, despite injuries to Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount.
While Cunha could return in time for the Manchester derby, the full extent of Mount’s injury isn’t known, and Diogo Dalot could be another absentee after withdrawing from the Portugal squad last week.
Rúben Amorim will be able to cope with the injuries, but missing so many crucial players is not good preparation for the Manchester derby, although Manchester City haven’t been at their brilliant best this season.
For those who have gone on international duty, playing well for their countries could see them reintegrated into the starting side ahead of those who haven’t played since the Burnley win.
Dorgu impresses in Denmark cameo
Several United first-teamers went on international duty, including Patrick Dorgu, who reunited with Rasmus Hojlund for Denmark. Fellow Dane Chido Obi was selected for the under-21s squad.
Dorgu started on the bench for Denmark, but came on after 64 minutes and impressed with his speed and energy down the left-hand side.
SportsDunia described Dorgu’s performance as “dangerous and energetic”, as he played a key part in Hojlund’s goal to make it 3-0 against Greece.
The United left-wing-back broke free on the wing and rounded the goalkeeper, but his shot deflected off the post into the path of Hojlund, who benefited from a simple tap-in, according to Flash Score.
Dorgu has to start against Manchester City
After his poor performance against Grimsby Town, Dorgu was dropped from the starting lineup, and Dalot took his place on the left side, with Amad playing on the right.
However, Dalot looks set to miss Sunday’s match, and the only other alternatives to Dorgu would be Noussair Mazraoui or Diego Leon, with Luke Shaw impressing at centre-back so far this season.
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Dorgu was one of the most impressive players in pre-season, and one poor performance should not result in a spell on the bench, especially with the injuries Amorim now has to deal with.
The Dane also came close to scoring against Arsenal and could be set to break his duck at the Etihad Stadium on Sunday.
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