{"id":851045,"date":"2026-03-26T06:57:26","date_gmt":"2026-03-26T06:57:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/851045\/"},"modified":"2026-03-26T06:57:26","modified_gmt":"2026-03-26T06:57:26","slug":"manchester-united-might-have-unexpectedly-found-a-new-left-winger","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/851045\/","title":{"rendered":"Manchester United might have unexpectedly found a new left winger"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>Man Utd defender Patrick Dorgu is stepping up his recovery work at Carrington as he prepares to return from injury.<img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"eager\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/0_GettyImages-2197204703.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Wilcox pictured with Dorgu.\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Wilcox pictured with Dorgu.(Image: 2025 Manchester United FC)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Dorgu suffered a hamstring injury in United&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">Get MEN Premium now for just \u00a31 <\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/subscribe\/\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">HERE<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"> \u2013 or get involved in our United WhatsApp group by clicking <\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/chat.whatsapp.com\/Hi2ASkCoTnoFutCiQJtPlp\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">HERE<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">. You can also join our United Facebook page by clicking <\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/ManUtdMEN\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">HERE<\/strong><\/a><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\"> and don&#8217;t miss out on our brilliant selection of newsletters <\/strong><a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/newsletter-preference-centre\/?utm_source=newslettersignupheader\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"\"><strong class=\"Strong_strong__e2x35\">HERE.<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When Dorgu&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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 <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/manchester-united-confirm-overseas-training-33657077\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">training camp in Ireland<\/a> before Leeds&#8217; visit to Old Trafford.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">As revealed by the Manchester Evening News a few months ago, Dorgu has <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/how-patrick-dorgu-improved-manchester-33263289\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">worked hard to improve his game<\/a> this season, doing &#8220;lots of extras&#8221; at Carrington.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">His improvement in the final third has been no coincidence, as there has been a <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/sport\/football\/how-patrick-dorgu-improved-manchester-33263289\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">focus on improving his crosses<\/a>, with an emphasis on him perfecting his technique during training.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1_Dorgu_recovery_17_03_2026_AD_411774281589766_medium.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Dorgu is back in the gym at Carrington.\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Dorgu is back in the gym at Carrington.(Image: Manchester United)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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 <a aria-label=\"\" class=\"TextLink_text-link__dBSS0 TextLink_enabled__dJF3l\" href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/all-about\/boxing\" rel=\"follow nofollow noopener\" tabindex=\"0\" target=\"_self\">Boxing Day<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">Dorgu&#8217;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">When Carrick was asked whether he saw Dorgu as a left-back or a winger in his system, he said: &#8220;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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">&#8220;I think his general play was something we were really pleased about. I wouldn&#8217;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.&#8221;<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" loading=\"lazy\"  src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1_GettyImages-2257657704jpgDo.jpg\" \/><\/p>\n<p aria-label=\"Dorgu scored a brilliant goal against Arsenal.\" class=\"ImageCaption_caption-title__ccyQU\" data-testid=\"caption-title\">Dorgu scored a brilliant goal against Arsenal.(Image: 2026 Marc Atkins)<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">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.<\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">The Dane had a mixed first half of the season but will hope to end it strongly. It&#8217;s a testament to his improvement over the last few months that United fans are looking forward to his return.<\/p>\n<p>England&#8217;s 2026 World Cup kits<\/p>\n<p>This article contains affiliate links, we will receive a commission on any sales we generate from it. <a href=\"https:\/\/www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk\/affiliates\" rel=\"nofollow noopener\" target=\"_blank\">Learn more<\/a><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Content Image\" fetchpriority=\"auto\" src=\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/1774275976_193_0_Untitled-2jpeg.jpg\"\/><\/p>\n<p>Various Prices<\/p>\n<p>England Official Store<\/p>\n<p><a class=\"AffiliateContent_content-buy-btn__xWiVO buy-btn\" aria-label=\"Buy button\" href=\"https:\/\/england-fa-shop.sjv.io\/c\/344386\/852317\/11901?subId1=Regionals-football.london&amp;u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.englandstore.com%2Fen%2Fengland-national-team-football-kits-three-lions%2Ft-25619315%2Bd-9072656104%2Bc-340607%2Bz-9-3856279017\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\">Buy Now on England Official Store<\/a><\/p>\n<p class=\"Paragraph_paragraph-text__PVKlh  undefined\" data-tmdatatrack=\"content-unit\" data-tmdatatrack-type=\"paragraph\">England and Nike have launched the new home, away and goalkeeper kits to be worn at this summer&#8217;s FIFA World Cup. You can get free delivery on all orders with the code: ENGFREEDEL<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"Man Utd defender Patrick Dorgu is stepping up his recovery work at Carrington as he prepares to return&hellip;\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":851046,"comment_status":"","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":"","_share_on_mastodon":"0"},"categories":[8813],"tags":[748,393,4884,2465,423,50325,16,15],"class_list":["post-851045","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","category-manchester","tag-britain","tag-england","tag-great-britain","tag-manchester","tag-manchester-united-fc","tag-patrick-dorgu","tag-uk","tag-united-kingdom"],"share_on_mastodon":{"url":"https:\/\/pubeurope.com\/@uk\/116294181541115048","error":""},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/851045","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=851045"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/851045\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/851046"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=851045"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=851045"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=851045"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}