Patrick Dorgu injury leaves Michael Carrick with Further Headache

Michael Carrick would have been forgiven for thinking the international break would provide some respite from his issues at Old Trafford, yet an injury to Patrick Dorgu is going to provide a further headache.

Luke Shaw started the season as the club’s only natural left-back, but he has struggled for both form and fitness to this point. His performances in the first few Premier League games were poor, and he then missed defeats to Manchester City and Brighton.

It could be argued that the 31-year-old was slightly undercooked after pre-season, which has been an accusation levelled at many of United’s first-team players.

However, it was the club’s lack of conviction with regard to signing a left-back in the summer that has exacerbated this problem.

There have always been concerns about whether you can rely on Shaw’s fitness, with last year’s return of 38 Premier League appearances being something of an anomaly.

However, his form throughout that time has often been excellent. Once that dips, however, you have a real problem… and that’s been evident in United’s opening games.

Patrick Dorgu unlikely to return for Spurs fixture

After limping out of Denmark’s Nations League clash against Wales, Dorgu has immediately returned to Manchester for closer observation.

So, his injury is serious enough for the Danish national side to know he won’t be able to play any further part in their international fixtures, which makes a quick United comeback unlikely.

Initial observations are that Dorgu has injured his hamstring, which is a problem that usually carries a lay-off of around two weeks, in its most minor form.

The worry at Old Trafford is that the former Lecce star has done more damage.

Either way, Dorgu is unlikely to be ready to play for Manchester United in their first fixture after the international break. This is a home match against Tottenham Hotspur, and Michael Carrick faces his former club without a recognised left-back.

Shaw’s fitness is still unclear, which means Dorgu was the next in line to play, although fans are still unsure whether he’s better in defence or in attack.

Noussair Mazraoui can deputise at left-back, but that would then create a problem for a lack of cover on the right.

There is, however, the option to play Harry Amass, a player that United were ready to sell in the summer, against Spurs.

All this comes at a time when Carrick also has concerns over his midfield, with Carlos Baleba yet to play a single minute for the club since signing from Brighton and Hove Albion.

Is Amass ready to face Spurs?

Amass made his only appearance of the season in the Champions League victory over Sabah FK.

He was on the pitch for 18 minutes, but he has previous Premier League experience under Ruben Amorim.

At just 19 years old, he isn’t as experienced at the top level as you’d hope for a player who is ready to start games for Manchester United.

His talent has always been lauded throughout his time with the club’s academy, but the step-up is huge.

His loan spells with Sheffield Wednesday and Norwich gave him experience in the Championship, but there is clearly something there that United felt was dispensable during the summer.

This could be his chance to change things. You can only make the most of opportunities that you get, and a lot of players in similar situations just don’t get them.

When you do, you have to do what Marcus Rashford and Harry Kane did… grab them and never let go.

Amass will be a risk, but I think it’s one worth taking. You’re going to be facing a Spurs side that has only scored two goals in the Premier League this season and is stranded at the bottom of the table.

This is perhaps as good a time as any to throw Amass into Premier League football.