Man Utd: Michael Carrick explains left-back decision as Luke Shaw misses out on squad for Manchester derby

However, it has been confirmed that the 31-year-old has not recovered in time to make a swift return to the squad, meaning his run of consecutive Premier League starts is now over.

Discussing Shaw’s absence, Michael Carrick said the injury is not too serious and revealed how close he was to making the matchday squad.

"Close, very close, just not quite there,” Carrick told Sky Sports. "It's very small but unfortunately not for today.”

Absent: Luke Shaw

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In Shaw’s place, Dorgu is set to operate as a left-back for only the second time since his £25million transfer from Lecce in the 2025 winter transfer window.

Carrick did have the option of picking the versatile Noussair Mazraoui at left-back but insists he has full faith in Dorgu despite his relative inexperience in this position.

"Pat's a good player, he's played there before,” the United coach added. “Fully trust in Pat, he played very well in midweek.

“Slightly different game today but we fully trust him.

"It's always about your team-mates helping each other and we will look for that today.”