The Premier League season is only 13.6 per cent completed yet Manchester United are already experiencing an injury crisis.
It hasn't been helped by the fact Jadon Sancho and Antony are both unavailable due to off-the-field issues, but, at present, Erik ten Hag has a full starting XI of players unavailable to him. Yet, from a crisis, opportunity can often arise.
Though it's at the back where United have been hit hardest, midfield has also been an issue with youngster Kobbie Mainoo ruled out for a few months during pre-season and Mason Mount missing the last two matches. That has opened the door to the first team for youngster Dan Gore.
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Still just 18, Gore has risen through the ranks since he joined the club in 2018 and has been a star in every age group. Though Mainoo and Alejandro Garnacho took the plaudits, the all-action midfielder was crucial in the FA Youth Cup triumph of 2022.
Gore actually started the FA Youth Cup campaign on the bench as a newcomer to the group but from the last 16 onwards he played every single minute. His partnership with Mainoo in the double pivot provided a solid, dynamic and forward-thinking foundation for the talented forwards to shine.
Gore continued his progress last season as he became a regular fixture in Under-21 side despite his tender years and his manager, Mark Dempsey, waxed lyrical on his talent following a draw with Arsenal in April.
"He [Gore] was really good," Dempsey told the Manchester Evening News. "I think he’s a proper footballer, good with the ball, good without the ball, and he can travel
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