According to a report by Manchesterevening News on Wednesday October 28, 2026, Celin Bizet Donnum, a forward for Manchester United, has reached a major personal milestone with her return to competitive football after an absence of 390 days due to pregnancy and recovery.

Manchester United manager Michael Carrick has struggled to keep his first team consistent this season due to the club's heavy injury burden. Several key players have had fitness issues both before and during the campaign.

After suffering an ankle ligament injury on the way from Brighton, summer signing Carlos Baleba didn't play a competitive game until October, when he made a strong impression in 31 minutes against Tottenham Hotspur.

Man Utd sorely needed this midfielder's physical presence, and he provided it with sixteen passes from eighteen attempts, two tackles, and three interceptions.

In other news, Manuel Ugarte is still out with a cruciate ligament injury, Patrick Dorgu hurt his hamstring while on international duty, and Benjamin Sesko has been dealing with a shin issue.

Injuries to Luke Shaw and Kobbie Mainoo occurred against Tottenham as well, making it even more difficult for Carrick to select a starting lineup for crucial upcoming matches.

Despite finishing third last season and having a tough first twelve matches, United have struggled to secure victories this season, adding further pressure on the coaching staff.

Long-Awaited Return of Bizet Donnum Fulfilled

In Wednesday's Subway Women's Players Cup match against Burnley, Manchester United Women forward Celin Bizet Donnum returned to action, coming on in the 61st minute.

This was the Norwegian international's first competitive appearance since October 3, 2025, when she played fourteen minutes against Chelsea, and she came on as a substitute for captain Maya Le Tissier.

Following the announcement of her pregnancy, Bizet took a break from football. In June, she gave birth to her first child. In September, she returned to training with Manchester United.

In a previous, heartfelt Instagram post, the twenty-five-year-old had informed her fans of her return and shared her anticipation with them.

She could start for Manchester United against Burnley, and fans can watch the match live on the club's official MUTV channel.

Thanks to two goals from Lea Schuller and a goal from Ellen Wangerheim, the Red Devils were able to celebrate a 3-0 victory.

Bizet has been an important attacking player for Manchester United since her 2024 transfer from Tottenham, when she made 37 appearances and contributed seven goals and eight assists.

After being away for over a year, her return is a huge deal, and it should give her confidence as she gets back into her competitive groove and match fitness.