It has been 93 days since Paul Pogba last played for Manchester United.
That was back when Ole Gunnar Solskjaer was still in charge of the club, as he notched 70 minutes of action in a dramatic draw against Atalanta in the Champions League.
His last action in the Premier League was to trudge alone down the Old Trafford tunnel after having been shown a straight red card in the 5-0 home hammering against Liverpool. Subsequent suspension saved him from the next humiliation at home against Man City, before injury during the international break left him sidelined once again.
Pogba has missed a staggering 84 matches with 10 different injuries since he arrived back in Manchester for a then world-record fee six years ago.
Since the Norwegian coach was sacked, United have only lost once more, in the home defeat to Wolves last month. Problems might not be solved, but things are certainly getting better.
A key component of the recent stability has been Ralf Rangnick's decision to switch to a 4-3-3, the very formation Solskjaer wanted to implement last summer before he resorted to type and the familiarity of the 4-2-3-1.
That risk-averse approach sums up plenty of what has been wrong with United this season, as a star-studded squad has been filled with caution and a focus on avoiding defeat rather than winning matches.
However, in recent weeks, there has been a fresh swagger. Anthony Elanga has burst onto the scene, Bruno Fernandes is back to his best in a creative role, Scott McTominay has showcased his defensive capabilities, and Fred has been rejuvenated in his more advanced midfield role.
Rangnick has already hinted he will look to get Pogba back in the line up regardless of his long-term future at the club, though there are some optimistic figures who still believe he could be convinced to stay if the right permanent manager is appointed before the end of the season.
The interim manager stated: "He wants to show the fans of Manchester United, the board, the whole world, what kind of player he can be. Even if it's for only showing up for a new contract elsewhere, he will be highly motivated to do that, so why should I then not play him?"
Given that Pogba is contracted to the club, it does makes sense for United to utilise such a formidable asset for a short-term gain, but his potential return to the side couldn't have come at a worse time for Fred.
The Brazilian has contributed to six goals in his last eight starts and is relishing the attacking freedom he has been granted playing as a No.8 without the same scrutiny on his defensive play.
He scored a rare winner against Crystal Palace, won a penalty against Arsenal and notched four assists in matches against Arsenal, Aston Villa (2) and Brentford.
If he can prove this transformation is more than just a purple patch, Fred could even be the long-term successor to Pogba if he leaves this summer, with the priority of signing a defensive specialist instead.
But before he can start thinking that far ahead, the boisterous Brazilian faces a new challenge: keeping his place in the side even when Pogba is fully fit.
If he manages to do that, then Fred really is a Red.
