FEW hot prospects at Manchester United have ever had such a colourful teenage career BEFORE breaking through as Dan Gore.
The playmaker had a training-ground bust-up with senior striker Anthony Martial and saw red for a contentious tackle when SKIPPERING the Red Devils in a friendly.
Kenny RamsayThe Old Trafford Academy product can play across the midfield[/caption]
Dan Gore reacts to seeing red for a challenge on Wrexham’s Andy Cannon when he skippered an inexperienced Man Utd side in a pre-season gameGetty
GettyCombative starlet Gore impressed on tour in the summer of 2023 but was at the centre of controversy vs Wrexham in Houston[/caption]
The academy product, who only turned 19 in September 2023, can be considered one of United’s ‘super six’ starlets.
Along with Gore, Kobbie Mainoo, Marc Jurado, Shea Lacey, Noam Emeran and Charlie McNeill are trying to hussle their way up to more first-team action.
Currently, Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay have gone from the ranks to riches, progressing from the academy while others were squeezed out by big-money buys like Rasmus Hojlund and Bruno Fernandes.
Gore joined United from Burnley in 2018 and tasted FA Youth Cup glory four years later alongside equally-exciting Old Trafford talents like Argentina winger Alejandro Garnacho.
And Erik ten Hag clearly has an eye on the Englishman – especially after the responsibility he gave the versatile ace during the 2022-23 pre-season tour of the USA.
But that’s not the first imprint the stylist has left on United’s senior players… almost literally.
Martial reacted angrily to a crunching challenge from Gore during training in November 2022.
Perhaps the Frenchman was frustrated at missing out on a World Cup squad place.
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Or maybe it showed Gore’s combative reputation was well deserved.
Whatever the case, manager ten Hag reportedly pulled the pair apart and told the kid to ease off from such stern tackling in practice.
It’s understood Martial later apologised to Gore – and there have been no problems since
However, the young Englishman leapt back into the headline 11 months later on tour in the USA.
Despite playing alongside veteran centre-back Jonny Evans, Gore was at first on a high after being chosen to captain a virtual Red Devils’ reserve side against Ryan Reynolds‘ Wrexham in a warm-up game.
But he was sent off just two minutes into the second half for a sliding challenge on Andy Cannon.
The moment split the internet – with many fans “baffled” by the dismissal as they reckon the Dragons’ midfielder initially caught Gore.
Since then, though, the teenager has impressed United coaches with his continuing development.
And Under-21s manager Mark Dempsey is among those backing Gore’s natural ability – especially his leadership skills – to shine through.
Dempsey has told the Manchester Evening News: “He was really good.
“I think he’s a proper footballer, good with the ball, good without the ball, and he can travel with it.
“His final pass has to improve for me, that’s the last bit for him, but the rest is great.”