Manchester United fans may have to wait longer than expected to see Patrick Dorgu back in action. Despite hopes of a quick recovery from a hamstring injury, Denmark head coach Brian Riemer has revealed that United’s current medical assessment points toward an April return for the 21-year-old star.
Dorgu, who was in the form of his life after scoring in both the Manchester Derby and the 3-2 win over Arsenal, has been sidelined since late January. While interim boss Michael Carrick has remained tight-lipped, the latest update from the Danish camp suggests a more serious layoff than initially feared.
The Club vs. Country Conflict
While Manchester United’s medical team has reportedly earmarked April for his comeback, Riemer is refusing to give up hope on having the versatile wing-back for Denmark’s crucial World Cup qualification play-offs in late March.
“Right now, he is reported injured by Manchester United until April,” Riemer told Viaplay. “But I know Patrick has a dream to be ready. His biggest motivation right now is that he wants to be ready for that game [against North Macedonia]. I will keep that dream alive.”
A Significant Void in Carrick’s System
The timing of the injury is a “disaster” for Carrick’s tactical setup. Dorgu had just established himself as a primary attacking threat before the setback:
- The Peak: Goals in back-to-back high-stakes games against City and Arsenal.
- The Replacement: In his absence, United have leaned on more conservative options, though the team remains unbeaten.
The Road to Recovery: Key Dates
If United stick to the “April” timeline, Dorgu will miss several pivotal fixtures in the hunt for a Champions League spot:
- March 8: vs Aston Villa (Home)
- March 15: vs Bournemouth (Away)
- March 26: Denmark vs North Macedonia (International Play-off)
Carrick’s Stance: “Wait and See”
Carrick’s last official update in late January reflected the club’s cautious approach: “It looks a little bit more on the serious note, so it’ll be a few weeks. How many? We’ll have to wait and see.”
For United, the priority remains Dorgu’s long-term fitness, especially with the 2026/27 season planning already underway. However, with a World Cup spot on the line for Denmark, the “dream” of an early return in March could lead to a tense standoff between the Old Trafford medical staff and the Danish national team.
Ronald Mike is a football writer covering the English Premier League, providing match analysis, tactical insight, and coverage of key rivalries and title races across the season.
