Luke Shaw Misses Manchester Derby After Everton Knock
Luke Shaw was ruled out of Manchester United’s derby meeting with Manchester City after failing to recover from the knock he suffered in last weekend’s draw against Everton.
United went into the match with four points from their opening three league fixtures, while City arrived at Old Trafford top of the table after taking a maximum nine points. Michael Carrick said Shaw came close to being available but was not ready to take a place in the matchday squad.
“He was very close, but not quite there,” Carrick said before kick-off. “It is a very minor issue, but unfortunately he could not make it for today.”
Patrick Dorgu was selected at left-back in Shaw’s absence, despite the £25 million signing from Lecce having primarily operated further forward since joining United. It was only Dorgu’s second appearance in the role, following his strong display in Thursday’s 4-0 Champions League victory over Sabah FK, when he set up Matheus Cunha.
Carrick had Noussair Mazraoui available as another potential defensive option, but retained Dorgu on the left for the visit of City. The United manager said the Denmark international had earned confidence through his midweek performance and would be supported by those around him in a demanding derby.
“Pat is a good player and he has played there before,” Carrick said. “We have complete faith in him. He played very well during the week, although this is a different type of game. The important thing is that the team-mates help one another, and that is what we want to see.”
Carrick also rejected the suggestion that Dorgu could not operate in defence, while acknowledging that the 21-year-old has mostly been used as a winger during his time at the club. “He can absolutely play there; he has done it before,” he said. “It is not a question of whether he is capable. It is simply how we have set up since I came in.”
Cunha again led the United attack, with Benjamin Sesko left out of the starting XI. United hoped Dorgu could cope with the occasion as they sought to reduce the five-point gap between the local rivals.
Shaw will now be assessed again ahead of United’s Carabao Cup third-round match against Brighton at Old Trafford next week.
