Dan Gore’s promising comeback gives Man Utd hope, another gem to step up

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An area of the pitch Manchester United have constantly struggled to nail down over the past decade is the midfield.

The pieces are there, Bruno Fernandes is one of the best midfielders in the world, Manuel Ugarte was one of the best midfielders at the Copa America, and Kobbie Mainoo is one of the most exciting midfielders around.

Just throwing them together and hoping it will work, didn’t for Erik ten Hag. And now Fernandes faces a three-game ban and Mainoo has picked up an injury.

United may need reinforcements, and one promising talent could throw his name into the mix over the coming months.

Dan Gore stepping up comeback

Manchester United fans are keeping a close eye on academy talent Dan Gore, who is working his way back from an injury sustained out on loan.

Gore captained the under-21s in the EFL Trophy last week in his comeback, his first match at any level since January.

The 20-year-old started for the under-21s at the end of last week in a 5-3 victory over Norwich, playing another hour as he stepped up his comeback.

Gore provided the assist for United’s third goal, laying on the pass for Malachi Sharpe to continue his own impressive start to the season.

The young midfielder made his debut for Manchester United a year ago in the Carabao Cup against Crystal Palace, and is very highly rated.

An injury on his debut at Port Vale cut short his loan spell, which required surgery, and Gore has had to be patient and work hard to return to fitness.

Last season we only saw Kobbie Mainoo break into the United team in November after an injury, before establishing himself.

There is time for Gore to get back into United’s thinking – and there is certainly scope for another talented midfielder to force his way into Erik ten Hag’s thinking.

Gore partnered Mainoo to glory

Dan Gore partnered Kobbie Mainoo in midfield when Manchester United won the FA Youth Cup in 2022.

Gore plays with a very different style to Mainoo, a little more tenacious and aggressive, and he has impressed at academy level through his career so far.

Former United prospect Luke Chadwick told MUTV last year: “You speak to anyone about him, they say he’s fearless.

“He wants to tackle people, he wants to get close to people, that’s a great trait to have for a central midfield player.”

Danny Simpson separately added: “Up close and personal I thought he was fantastic, strong, athletic, he’s calm on the ball.

“For a young lad he looks very comfortable. It looks like it suits him playing in a Manchester United shirt. Superb.”

2024 can still be Dan Gore’s year if he can remain injury-free. As the season goes on, the fixtures pile up, and United’s squad gets more stretched, Gore can force his way in; he is making great progress in his recovery – and could make up for lost time.