Denmark in talks with Man Utd over Dorgu injury in immediate concern for Pochettino
Manchester United are closing in on appointing Mauricio Pochettino as their new manager following the departure of Michael Carrick.
The Argentine is expected to inherit a struggling side with serious defensive problems, and concerns over the fitness of one of United’s recently returned players have emerged ahead of his arrival.
Pochettino faces major defensive problems at Man Utd
Pochettino has reached a verbal agreement to take charge at Old Trafford, with United working to secure his release from the United States national team.
The 54-year-old will have plenty to address upon his arrival, particularly in defence, with the Red Devils conceding 19 goals in their opening ten Premier League matches including four against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Football journalist Henry Winter has already questioned whether United’s current defenders will be capable of implementing Pochettino’s preferred tactical approach, particularly his tendency to operate with a high defensive line.
Writing on social media, Winter said: “His tactics involve a high line – good luck with that with Harry Maguire, Lisandro Martinez and Matthijs de Ligt at centre-back.”
Gary Neville shares those concerns, arguing that Pochettino should demand two defensive signings in January before accepting the job.
“That is probably the worst back four in the Premier League,” he said of the back four that finished the draw against Villa.
“I don’t know a back four that is worse than that in the Premier League right now if I watch it. I can’t believe Manchester United have ended up with that back four.”
Pochettino’s defensive options could now be further complicated by lingering fitness problems affecting Sunday’s saviour.
Denmark manager Brian Riemer has raised concerns over Patrick Dorgu’s fitness, revealing that his medical staff have held extensive discussions with Manchester United as the defender continues recovering from a significant muscle injury.
The 22-year-old came off the bench in the second half against Aston Villa and played a crucial role in United’s dramatic comeback, scoring a stoppage-time equaliser and registering an assist.
However, his international manager has warned that the appearance should not be interpreted as a sign that Dorgu has fully recovered.
“Dorgu arrived and trained with the rest of the national team on Wednesday,” Riemer told Tipsbladet.
“He’s still on his way back. The fact that he got those minutes against Aston Villa and did a fantastic job should be taken with a grain of salt.
“There are still some lingering issues with the major muscle injury he suffered. We need to make sure it doesn’t flare up again. We’re optimistic, and we also believe things will go well.
“But he’s a player we need to be careful with. As for what that means in terms of matches and playing time, we’ll have to wait and see.”
Denmark face Portugal in the Nations League on Saturday before hosting Norway on Tuesday, although Dorgu’s involvement in either fixture remains uncertain.
“It’s possible we’ll have to wait until Tuesday to use Dorgu,” he added. “It’s also still very uncertain whether he’ll be able to start. He’s a player we need to think of as a substitute during this camp.
“We’re in close communication with United; we had a long meeting with them via Teams on Wednesday. All the doctors and physical therapists have spoken with one another.”
Dorgu has chance to become Pochettino’s first-choice left-back
Although Dorgu’s ongoing fitness concerns will require careful management, the Denmark international could have an important opportunity to establish himself under Pochettino.
Luke Shaw’s own injury problems have left United short of natural options at left-back, with Carrick forced to use Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui on the opposite side of their preferred positions.
Dorgu offers a different profile, combining pace and physicality with the ability to contribute in advanced areas, as demonstrated by his decisive performance against Villa.
Those qualities could appeal to Pochettino, whose teams traditionally rely on energetic full-backs capable of supporting attacks while maintaining the defensive intensity required by his system.
Indeed, the Argentine previously helped develop Shaw into one of the Premier League’s most promising young defenders during their time together at Southampton.
Dorgu could therefore have an opportunity to make the position his own, particularly with United’s defensive recruitment plans unlikely to be finalised before January.
