One month ago, Manchester United were on the brink. Ruben Amorim was certainly on the brink, and the Portuguese coach toppled after a mutinous outburst, seemingly criticising the ownership.
One month later, Michael Carrick's Man United team are firing on all cylinders, and have the chance to make it four wins on the bounce in the Premier League against Tottenham Hotspur, who travel to Old Trafford on Sunday.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
How the mood has been lifted. In such a short time, so many Red Devils have rediscovered themselves, and while he will be absent through injury against Tottenham, Patrick Dorgu is a shining example of what a bit of change can do.
Patrick Dorgu's newfound role
Man United have cruelly lost Dorgu to a months-long spell on the sidelines just as he was roaring into life in the Premier League. Against Manchester City in the derby last month, the Danish wideman was "sensational", as remarked by a rather bemused Gary Neville as Carrick's side ran riot.
Typically, Dorgu played a left-wing back role under Amorim's management, and it was a role that left him criticised, with content creator Liam Canning stating in December that he was "miles off the standard".
That's a quote which could be attributed to any number of Man United's struggling stars over the course of 2025, but Dorgu was considered one of the brightest talents in Serie A when INEOS signed him from Lecce for £25m one year ago.
His recent form in a more advanced role is beginning to reflect that innate ability.
Patrick Dorgu recent form at Manchester United
Dorgu, who ranks in the top 20 in the current Power Rankings in the league, won't have a part to play against Spurs at the weekend, and he'll be a big miss, for he would not only wreak havoc against Thomas Frank's shaky side but is playing with such gusto that he would easily get into their team right now.
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However, he's not the only one under Carrick's wing who would stand such a chance.
Man Utd star would walk into Spurs XI
It's been a tough season for Manchester United, but it would appear there is light at the end of the tunnel.
Manchester United manager Michael Carrick
If Carrick's squad continue produce even half the level of performances they have treated fans to in recent weeks, they will surely get their foot back in the Champions League door.
A home win against Tottenham will be crucial, continuing the fine form, and Benjamin Sesko is sure to be gunning for a starting berth after his emphatic late winner against Fulham last time out, curling home in a cameo which reminded everyone of his potential as an elite centre-forward.
Man United signed Sesko from RB Leipzig for £74m, the 22-year-old hailed for his "world-class potential". However, there's no question that he's struggled through his maiden term in England, struggling for service at the front of Amorim's system.
That was a much-needed boost, one which could serve as a springboard for his success over the next few years as he looks to become a top goalscorer, up there with the very best in the business.
Benjamin Sesko - League Stats by Season (past five years)
Season
25/26 - Man Utd
24/25 - RB Leipzig
23/24 - RB Leipzig
22/23 - RB Salzburg
21/22 - RB Slazburg
Data via Transfermarkt
Having actually bagged three goals since the turn of the calendar year, Sesko is starting to find his feet, and as he continues to get better, he may prove to leap above the likes of Dominic Solanke and Richarlison at number nine for Spurs.
It's not something that United need to worry about now, but Tottenham were expressing significant interest in the rangy striker before the summer transfer window, as confirmed by Sky Germany.
benjamin-sesko-man-utd
Solanke is more polished than Sesko, for sure, but the Slovenian goalscorer is indeed starting to get going on English shores, with his finish against Fulham of the highest order.
If United stay stable and progressive under Carrick's wing, it won't be long until Sesko is drawing plaudits each week, and while someone like Dorgu has earned more praise for their resurgence in recent weeks, we are perhaps seeing the beginning of something even more special as Sesko settles into his skin.
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