Man Utd defender Patrick Dorgu is stepping up his recovery work at Carrington as he prepares to return from injury.
Wilcox pictured with Dorgu.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)
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Earlier this week, Manchester United shared an update on Patrick Dorgu: the defender is back in the Carrington gym, focusing on strength and conditioning under the supervision of coaches.
Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in United's impressive 3-2 win against Arsenal at the Emirates in January, the same game in which he scored a rocket half-volley from the edge of the box.
Michael Carrick initially suggested Dorgu had gone off in the second half with cramp, but it became clear that the problem was more serious when he limped through the exit door at the Emirates.
When Dorgu's injury was confirmed, United sources insisted there was no clear timescale for his lay-off, but the expectation was that he could be sidelined for around 10 weeks, so he could return in the first week of April.
Dorgu enjoyed some warm-weather light training in Dubai last month and could return to face Leeds on April 13. He should be involved with the training camp in Ireland before Leeds' visit to Old Trafford.
It was a big blow for United to lose Dorgu when he was playing so well, and it was a particular shame to see him forced to the sidelines when he was auditioning on the left wing.
As revealed by the Manchester Evening News a few months ago, Dorgu has worked hard to improve his game this season, doing "lots of extras" at Carrington.
His improvement in the final third has been no coincidence, as there has been a focus on improving his crosses, with an emphasis on him perfecting his technique during training.
Dorgu is back in the gym at Carrington.(Image: Manchester United)
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In December, Dorgu provided a brilliant assist for Matheus Cunha at Villa Park, and he built on that performance by scoring a superb volley in a gritty 1-0 victory against Newcastle on Boxing Day.
Dorgu started 2026 by recording an assist in a draw against Burnley at Turf Moor, a goal against Manchester City in the derby victory, and another goal in the aforementioned Arsenal win.
The 21-year-old was enjoying his hottest period since his transfer from Lecce, and was cruelly robbed of the chance of continuing his moment by the hamstring injury he picked up against Arsenal.
Dorgu's injury means there is not enough evidence to give a concrete answer on his best position for next season. He played at left wing-back for Ruben Amorim, but showed improved form as a winger.
When Carrick was asked whether he saw Dorgu as a left-back or a winger in his system, he said: "I think he can do both, to be honest. I think he was immense last week [versus City], his work rate and the way he played the position, but the threat, constant threat. And the goal was the obvious one.
"I think his general play was something we were really pleased about. I wouldn't want to pin him down [to a position], to be honest. But certainly attacking-wise in that threat, he was pretty impressive last week."
Dorgu scored a brilliant goal against Arsenal.(Image: 2026 Marc Atkins)
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United have just seven games remaining in the Premier League this season, and Dorgu will be eased back into action when he returns from his hamstring concern to prevent a repeat injury. That means he is expected to have limited time to make a further audition at left wing.
The Reds want to sign a new left winger this summer, but perhaps they would have planned to keep their powder dry if Dorgu had stayed fit and continued his strong form playing down that flank.
He could still play on the wing next season, even if a new player is brought in to strengthen that area. He has demonstrated versatility and quality, further enhancing his value in the dressing room.
The Dane had a mixed first half of the season but will hope to end it strongly. It's a testament to his improvement over the last few months that United fans are looking forward to his return.