Patrick Dorgu has returned to Manchester United training ahead of Tuesday night's Champions League clash with Roma, but he will not feature in the match.
Dorgu has been sidelined since the September international break after sustaining a hamstring problem while on duty with Denmark. He has now resumed training, though Marcus Rashford and Luke Shaw were still absent as they continue their rehabilitation from injury.
Dorgu unavailable for European clash
Carrick confirmed in his press conference that Dorgu will not feature in Europe. United host Roma at Old Trafford on Tuesday for the first time since a 6-2 triumph in the Europa League during April 2021, when Carrick served on the coaching team under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. The present manager netted twice against the same opponents in a 7-1 victory during a Champions League quarter-final in April 2007.
Carrick would welcome any result at this moment as he fights for his future, having overseen a woeful start to the season with just two victories from 13 fixtures. Saturday's loss to Chelsea ensured that United suffered three consecutive defeats and remain without success in nine matches.
Martinez included despite red card
Lisandro Martinez has also been named in the squad, and Carrick insisted he had no issue with the defender's attitude despite a red card against Chelsea.
"No, I've got no concerns about commitment at all," Carrick said of Martinez. "Things happen in football. Sometimes you do things, sometimes you make a decision, sometimes you make mistakes, sometimes it goes well for you, you know. But the commitment is not an issue for sure."
Pressure mounts in Champions League
Consecutive Champions League losses to Atletico Madrid and Como have left United worried about their prospects in the competition, with a top-24 finish necessary to secure at least a play-off fixture in February, which immediately intensifies the significance of this league-phase meeting.
United still face matches against RB Leipzig and Bayern Munich at Old Trafford, in addition to away trips to Sporting CP and Villarreal.
United's training squad
Goalkeepers: Lammens, Darlow, Heaton, Mee. Defenders: Dalot, Mazraoui, De Ligt, Maguire, Yoro, Martinez, Heaven, Amass, Dorgu*. Midfielders: Baleba, Santos, Mainoo, Tielemans, Mount, Fernandes. Forwards: Cunha, Amad, Lacey, Zirkzee, Mbeumo.
* Will not feature against Roma.
