Patrick Dorgu's hamstring healing nears conclusion, but will he feature against Leeds? His future role impacts Manchester United's summer transfer strategy.
When Patrick Chinazaekpere Dorgu pulled up with a hamstring injury against Arsenal in January, Manchester United manager Michael Carrick initially suggested it might not be a serious issue.
However, it was confirmed the following day that the Danish international had suffered a significant hamstring problem, with an expected recovery time of up to ten weeks.
The 21-year-old had been in outstanding form in the six weeks leading up to the injury, scoring remarkable goals against teams such as Manchester City, Newcastle, and Arsenal.
As a result, his sudden absence was a major setback for United’s momentum, and supporters have been eagerly awaiting his return ever since.
Dorgu closing in on United return
Last week, United released official footage of the Dane working on his rehabilitation at the Carrington training base gym, much to the encouragement of supporters.
Now, the Manchester Evening News have provided a full fresh update on the 21-year-old's recovery, as well as his potential to play against Leeds in 13 days' time.
According to the report, although Dorgu is also doing light running on grass alongside his fitness training, his return for the tie at Old Trafford in two weeks is too soon.
However, it's also added that the winger is expected to play again before the season ends, which will be a welcome boost for Carrick.
Dorgu's future dictates United's transfer plans
In the last few months, it has been widely reported that United are not just targeting midfielders this summer, but that a new left-back and left-winger are under consideration.
While the side has Amad and Bryan Mbeumo as options on the right wing with Diogo Dalot and Noussair Mazraoui behind them in defence, the same depth doesn't exist on the left.
Dorgu was initially signed as a left wing-back under Amorim, but has shone as a left-winger prior to his injury, while he also played at left-back under Darren Fletcher in January.
Where United see Dorgu's long-term standing in the squad will dictate how much they spend on either a left-winger or left-back across the 2026 summer transfer window.
Should United decide to invest time in growing Dorgu as competition for Matheus Cunha on the left side of attack, then a new left-back may need to be signed to compete with Shaw.
But if Dorgu's long-term future lies instead as an attacking full-back, then signing someone new to compete with Cunha becomes a major summer transfer priority.