Manchester United's rising star Bell suffers a severe injury, expected to be sidelined for 10 weeks! Cunha may start, Carrick has three tactical options

Patrick Doğu, a Manchester United player who has been performing well recently, has suffered a blow with a right hamstring injury, likely sidelining him for several weeks. According to "Jingji Net," initial estimates suggest he could be out for up to 10 weeks. If this timeline holds, the 21-year-old Danish international won’t return to the pitch until April.

In Sunday’s match where Manchester United defeated league leaders Arsenal 3-2, Doğu scored a volley goal but got injured chasing a long pass in the final moments. He limped off the field, and coach Carrick initially thought it was just a cramp, hoping there was no more serious damage. Unfortunately, the medical examination revealed a more severe injury.

According to club sources, Manchester United is still assessing the severity of Doğu’s injury, and the exact timeline remains uncertain. However, it is clear that he will miss upcoming matches. This is a significant setback for both Manchester United and Carrick, as Doğu scored in two consecutive games and was in excellent form playing as a left winger in a 4-2-3-1 formation. He not only scored goals but also dropped back to the left-back position to effectively support Luke Shaw and help contain attacks from Manchester City and Arsenal.

After Ruben Amorim took charge, he spent €30 million to sign Doğu from Lecce, intending to deploy him as a left wing-back, sometimes playing as a right winger. However, under Carrick’s management, Doğu has transformed into a "Manchester United version of Gareth Bale," becoming the main attacking force on the left flank. Due to his hairstyle, he’s also humorously nicknamed "Manchester United Gullit." According to Premier League transfer expert Dean Jones, Manchester United now fully regards Doğu as a winger and may adjust their transfer plans by bringing in a left-back during the summer window instead of a winger to compete with Luke Shaw.

Doğu still has some weaknesses, but these flaws are gradually being ironed out with noticeable progress. Unfortunately, injury forces a temporary halt to his upward momentum. If he returns after 10 weeks, Doğu will miss eight Manchester United matches, including home games against Fulham and Tottenham, away matches at West Ham and Everton, home fixtures against Crystal Palace and Aston Villa, and away games at Newcastle and Bournemouth.

Denmark’s next international break includes a 2026 World Cup playoff against North Macedonia, and Doğu hopes to recover in time to participate. The first match is scheduled for March 26, which coincides with the end of his 10-week absence. For Manchester United, he may make his comeback on April 11 in the game against Leeds United.

The hamstring is the tendon at the back of the thigh and is a notoriously tricky area to heal. It’s worth noting that Gareth Bale’s career was also plagued by leg muscle injuries, particularly issues with his calf soleus muscle. This is often a common problem for speed-based players, mainly caused by sudden sprints, abrupt stops, and quick changes of direction.

Doğu has appeared 22 times in the Premier League this season, scoring 3 goals and providing 3 assists, all three goals coming in his last five games. Since Amorim’s departure, the young Dane seems less anxious on the ball than under the previous coach. Now, with Doğu unavailable, Brazilian winger Cunha, who has recently contributed both goals and assists in the last two rounds, is naturally the prime candidate to replace him.

Cunha assisted Doğu in securing the win against Manchester City and should have had another assist, but Mason Mount’s goal was disallowed for offside. In the Arsenal match, Cunha scored the winning goal. During his celebration, he swore, raising concerns about possible further punishment, but the FA took no action. The £62.5 million man looks set to avoid sanctions.

If Cunha gets suspended, Mason Mount is another option for Carrick. Both players excel in creativity but lack defensive discipline, which would increase pressure on Luke Shaw and midfielders Casemiro and Coby Meno. In terms of tactical awareness, Mount might have an edge. However, since Carrick took over, Mount has only appeared as a substitute near the 90th minute in the Manchester derby, scoring a goal that was later ruled out.

Carrick’s third option is to field striker Shevchenko or use Cunha as a false nine, with either Amad Diallo or Mbemou shifting to the left wing. Like Doğu, these players are left-footed and can provide width in attack rather than cutting inside all the time.