Manchester United have been dealt a significant blow with defender Patrick Dorgu expected to be sidelined for a number of weeks due to a hamstring injury. The 21-year-old Denmark international was forced off late in Sunday's thrilling 3-2 Premier League victory away at Arsenal.
Injury Strikes After Crucial Contribution
Dorgu's injury came after he had made a decisive impact on the match, scoring what has been described as a sensational goal to put Manchester United 2-1 ahead at the Emirates Stadium. The young defender's withdrawal in the closing stages cast a shadow over what was otherwise an excellent result for the Red Devils.
Uncertain Recovery Timeline
While some initial reports have suggested Dorgu could face up to ten weeks out of action, sources close to Manchester United have stressed that the exact timescale remains unclear at this early stage. The club's medical staff are continuing their assessment of the injury to determine the full extent of the damage and establish a more precise recovery plan.
The timing is particularly unfortunate for interim head coach Michael Carrick, who has overseen an impressive start to his tenure. Dorgu had been establishing himself as an important component of United's defensive setup, making his absence a genuine concern as the team prepares for their next Premier League fixture.
Protests Planned Ahead of Fulham Clash
Manchester United will seek to continue their positive momentum when they face Fulham at Old Trafford on Sunday, but the match will be preceded by organised protests against the club's ownership structure. For the first time, these demonstrations will target not only the Glazer family but also Sir Jim Ratcliffe and his INEOS group, who have taken a significant stake in the club.
Supporter Group Voices Strong Criticism
The 1958, the supporters' group organising the protest, has issued a strongly worded statement explaining their position. A spokesperson emphasised that recent positive results should not distract from what they describe as fundamental problems with the club's ownership model.
"Recent results are down to Michael Carrick and the players and they have come in spite of our inept ownership, not because of it," the statement read. "This club continues to fumble from one calamity to the next. Fans should not be fooled by two good results. We have been here too many times before."
The group made clear that their protest has never been primarily about on-pitch performances, but rather what they see as a dysfunctional ownership structure that has repeatedly failed Manchester United over two decades.
Ratcliffe's Role Under Scrutiny
Particular criticism was directed at Sir Jim Ratcliffe, who was once viewed by many supporters as a potential saviour for the club. The 1958 statement described him as "a clueless clown" in football terms and accused him of making poor decisions without a cohesive plan.
"Jim Ratcliffe is a successful and wealthy businessman. But in a football sense, for many he comes across as a clueless clown, making one poor decision after another, with no cohesive plan," the statement continued. "This club is being dragged through chaos by clown ownership, capped off by a circus stadium design that perfectly symbolises how far standards and ambition have fallen."
The supporters' group expressed the view that Ratcliffe has become complicit in what they see as the ongoing erosion of Manchester United's identity, accusing him of throwing the Glazers a lifeline rather than facilitating their departure.
Broader Concerns About Club Direction
The statement from The 1958 highlighted broader concerns about the direction of Manchester United under the current ownership structure. They accused the ownership of dismantling the loyal match-going fan base that they see as the foundation of the club, while allegedly prioritising tourist revenue.
"The Glazers skim off the top whilst Ratcliffe continues dismantling the loyal match-going fan base, the foundation on which this club was built," the statement claimed. "Instead, it seems the focus is on tourists who want a day out and are prepared to pay through the nose for it."
The group concluded with a clear message that their protest now extends to all elements of the current ownership: "So we protest not just against the Glazers, but now also against INEOS and Ratcliffe, a man once seen by many, including ourselves, as a possible saviour, a beacon of hope, but now revealed as complicit in the ongoing erosion of everything that makes our club what it is."
As Manchester United prepare for their next match against Fulham, the club finds itself dealing with both an important injury concern and significant off-pitch tensions that show no signs of abating.
