Patrick Dorgu's injury couldn't be worse luck for Manchester United. The Red Devils are flying high off the back of two victories against Manchester City and Arsenal, and Dorgu is in the form of his life, netting against both including a goal of the season contender against Arsenal last weekend.
United's mood was soured when it was reported that Patrick Dorgu picked up a hamstring injury, and could be out for up to 10 weeks. It leaves United suddenly without one of their most in-form players. It also leaves United with no traditional left-winger, a massive blow for Michael Carrick and his style of play.
United will need players to step up in Patrick Dorgu's absence. Most fans hardly would've envisioned Dorgu to be such a crucial part of United's attack, but his injury will leave a hole in the team.
How Michael Carrick deals with his absence will also be informative of his style. He may adjust his style, he may try a player in a new position, or he might go bold and promote directly from the academy. Here's three options for Manchester United to replace Patrick Dorgu.
3 players Manchester United could use to replace the injured Patrick Dorgu
The safe bet: Matheus Cunha
Matheus Cunha failed to start either of Michael Carrick's first two games as United head coach, but certainly made his mark. The Brazilian scored the winning goal against Arsenal, and assisted Dorgu for his goal against City
Cunha is not naturally a left-winger, and prefers to operate in the left channel rather than operate in the wider positions Carrick's system requires. But if Carrick chooses to adapt his system like he did after Dorgu was subbed off, Cunha will be crucial going forward.
Carrick adapted his front three to become more fluid, trading positions at will. Cunha, Bryan Mbeumo, Bruno Fernandes and Amad can all move between roles, find space, and cause havoc for defences. Cunha has to talent and versatility to thrive in this system, and could take the spot from Dorgu permanently if he performs
The gamble: Mason Mount
Mason Mount hasn't got much of a chance in the team since Ruben Amorim departed. Mount made an appearance in the 90th minute of the game against City, and was an unused sub against Arsenal. It could spell a difficult time ahead for the midfielder that Amorim heaped such praise on.
However, Dorgu's injury could hand Mount a lifeline. Mount has some history playing as a left winger, especially for his former club Chelsea. Mount lacks the attributes to be a traditional winger, again favouring an inverted role, or even a central role like the one Bruno Fernandes occupies.
Mount wouldn't be a perfect fit. He doesn't have the explosiveness or crossing ability that Carrick wants from his wingers. His fitness also remains a concern. Frankly, he would be a square peg in a round hole. But it might be the next best option United has, and if Mount finds form, he can bring a huge amount to the team.
The wildcard: James Scanlon
If carricks stubbornly demands his side to play with wide wingers, United are out of luck. There are no more traditional wingers in the squad. That is, in the first team squad.
If Carricks wants a winger and can't get one in the transfer window, his best option is academy winger James Scanlon. The Gibraltar international scored a hat-trick in front of Carrick in his last under 21s game, and is one of the players next in line for a first-team debut.
It would be a hell of a swing to promote and then play James Scanlon. He is raw, and his transition from academy football to first-team football could be difficult. But if Carrick looks to the academy to save his team, then Scanlon is the first in line.