Comeback pending: Man Utd’s media team drop late-night teaser that fans will absolutely love

Manchester United supporters were given a late-night lift on Wednesday when the club’s official social-media channels signalled that Patrick Dorgu’s long-awaited return to action is drawing closer. A single photograph of the 20-year-old back on the grass at Carrington, captioned simply “Comeback pending”, was enough to ignite excitement among a fanbase that has sorely missed the Dane’s dynamism.

Dorgu has not played since late January, when a hamstring injury curtailed a breakthrough run that had seen him register five goal involvements in his previous seven Premier League outings. Operating in a newly-adopted winger role, the former full-back scored against both Arsenal and Manchester City during the opening two fixtures of Michael Carrick’s tenure, assisted versus Burnley and Aston Villa, and found the net in a bruising encounter with Newcastle United.

Such eye-catching displays kept club-record summer signing Matheus Cunha on the bench for the headline clashes with the league’s top two, underlining the confidence Carrick placed in the youngster’s raw pace and direct threat. Only Dorgu’s untimely setback allowed the Brazilian to reclaim his starting berth; Cunha has since hit a rich vein of form himself, setting up a welcome selection dilemma for the United boss.

The depth of Carrick’s attacking options is further highlighted by Benjamin Sesko, who has struck seven times in nine league games yet still cannot command a guaranteed place. With competition so fierce, Dorgu’s imminent availability adds another layer of intrigue to the run-in.

While Monday’s derby date with Leeds United is expected to arrive too soon, club insiders suggest the trip to Chelsea on Saturday, 18 April remains a realistic target for the winger’s comeback, even if initially from the bench. United, currently embroiled in the fight for Champions League qualification, could ill-afford a sharper boost than the return of a player who has already shown he can hurt the very best.