Manchester United are set to start pre-season without a senior midfielder this summer, opening the door for Carrington’s cream of the crop to step up.
Barring the quick signing of Mateus Fernandes, Manchester United’s shortlist of midfielders and Kobbie Mainoo are all set for the World Cup this summer, and likely to go deep in the competition.
Fernandes wasn’t called up by Portugal, making him the most attractive addition United can make this summer, if he wasn’t already, because he will be there for pre-season.
But the lack of senior players does open the door for an exciting talent to stake their claim for a place in Michael Carrick’s side for the 2026/27 campaign. Among them is Dan Gore.
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With the World Cup this summer, pre-season will have plenty of academy involvement🔮
Dan Gore is aiming for a pre-season Manchester United audition
With Jim Thwaites in the first-team picture, Tyler Fletcher winning the U21 player of the year award, and Jacob Devaney shining on loan, there are plenty of academy midfielders who could step up this summer.
However, often forgotten is Gore.
Gore was named Rotherham’s player of the season during his loan there this season, reminding fans why he was a United academy debutant in 2023.
Now, according to the Daily Mail, Gore is targeting a potential opportunity in pre-season.
Gore has been training with the United first-team since returning from loan, having the chance to make an impression on Carrick and his staff.
The 21-year-old is expected to get a chance during pre-season, as he looks to earn himself a place in the new-look midfield. At Carrington, Gore remains highly regarded, and he could become an interesting option.
Gore could be a wildcard option for Carrick, with his qualities suiting the way we expect United to play, plus he has the senior experience now to prove himself physically, while injuries haven’t been an issue.
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Gore has put his biggest problem behind him
Gore was excellent for Rotherham this season in League One, and would surely have options for another loan next season, perhaps in the Championship.
But United could favour keeping him.
All along, Gore’s biggest issue was injury, but this season it seems to have been put behind him, which might allow him to seriously push for a first-team opportunity.
United needs homegrown players for the squad next season, with Champions League registration rules in mind.
Don’t write Gore off as that fourth or fifth choice midfielder next season.
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