Manchester United will be encouraged by the performance of one of the club’s loan stars.
The midfield position is the subject of major scrutiny at Manchester United right now, after the area was overlooked in the recent transfer window.
And with Casemiro out of contract at the end of the current season, the position will come into sharper focus as the campaign goes on.
This gives promising talent Dan Gore time to hone his craft out on loan and try to make an impression next summer, better and stronger for his experience.
Gore made his Manchester United debut in 2023, but has seen his past two loan spells cut short by injuries, denying him an opportunity to show what he can do.
Already in 2025-26 he has amassed more minutes than those two spells combined, and is making a strong impression at League One club Rotherham United.
Photo by Alex Dodd – CameraSport via Getty ImagesDan Gore praised after strong performance
Dan Gore has established himself as a regular starter for Rotherham on loan, and at the weekend he produced an impressive individual performance.
Gore’s Rotherham fell to a 1-0 loss to Stockport County, where he was going up against former Manchester United trainee Oliver Norwood in midfield, now 34.
20-year-old Gore gave everything he had across the 90 minutes, making 77 touches and creating one chance.
His biggest impact came off the ball, where he made 17 ball recoveries for his team, while also making four interceptions and winning three tackles.
Gore won nine duels and won four free-kicks for his team, and his contribution was noted in the local press.
The Rotherham Advertiser gave harsh player ratings to some of his teammates, with two players awarded a 3/10 and another a 4/10 rating.
They credited Gore’s performance as a 8/10, noting: “Head and shoulders above his teammates.
“That deep-lying, string-pulling midfield role suits him. Passed well, and when he decided to move with the ball at his feet, he really moved. Made things happen.”
Gore’s progress is worth watching
Manchester United have not been patient enough with young midfielders coming through the academy in recent times.
James Garner is a Premier League regular with Everton, while Ethan Galbraith is winning rave reviews for his recent performances on loan at Swansea City.
Maxi Oyedele was sold early last summer and has gone on to become a senior Poland international.
Gore is an FA Youth Cup winner who partnered Kobbie Mainoo in the competition, and he should not be dismissed simply because he has not broken through as a first team regular yet.
The youngster needs to put together a full season of big performances to continue his development, but it is so far, so good.