Manchester United’s training session at Carrington on Thursday morning revealed both progress and persistent challenges ahead of Monday’s Premier League clash with Brentford.
Head coach Michael Carrick provided an update on injured players during the press conference, stating that Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu is “working his way to being back” and making “good progress” as he edges closer to full training participation. The winger has been sidelined since sustaining a hamstring injury in January’s 3-2 away win over Arsenal, where he scored United’s 50th-minute goal.
While Dorgu continues his individual pitch-based rehabilitation at the Carrington base, the defensive situation remains fluid. Harry Maguire is confirmed as available for the Brentford match and is poised to make his first appearance since signing a new contract extension. However, Lisandro Martinez remains suspended and will not return until United’s trip to Sunderland on May 9.
The central defensive pairing continues to be a concern, with Leny Yoro absent from Thursday’s session after missing the Stamford Bridge trip. Carrick expressed hope that the France Under-21 defender would not be sidelined long-term following what he described as a minor injury, though no definitive timeline was given for his return. Matthijs de Ligt likewise missed training, continuing his absence from the squad.
Amid the injury list, United promoted young centre-back Sonny Aljofree to first-team training. The 21-year-old, who captained the U21s in seven Premier League 2 games since February, has experienced a turbulent loan spell that included time at Accrington Stanley, Notts County, and Altrincham before returning to Carrington in January after his stint with Notts County was cut short.
Matheus Cunha was also absent from Thursday’s session on a scheduled recovery day, though he is expected to be available for Monday’s game after scoring United’s winner at Stamford Bridge earlier this month – his eighth goal since joining from Wolverhampton Wanderers.
The club’s official website confirmed Maguire’s impending return while noting Yoro’s continued absence, aligning with Carrick’s cautious optimism about the young French defender’s recovery timeline.
When is Patrick Dorgu expected to return to first-team action?
There is still no timeline on Dorgu’s return, though Carrick confirmed he is progressing through rehabilitation with the aim of being back before the complete of the season.
Will Lisandro Martinez be available for the Brentford game?
No, Martinez will not return until United’s trip to Sunderland on May 9 due to suspension.
Is Leny Yoro’s injury considered serious?
Carrick described Yoro’s issue as a minor injury and expressed hope that the defender would not be sidelined for long, though he avoided giving a definitive return date.