Manchester United players are on an international break, but that does not mean club football has stopped entirely; one loanee has taken full advantage.
Football below the first two divisions is still going strong, barring a few postponements, and that’s where some of Man Utd’s most exciting wonderkids are getting senior experience.
This season is the first test of Jonny Evans as United’s loan manager, so there is extra incentive for all those on loan to impress.
One player has done just that in his most recent game, shining in an all-action display, finding his perfect position.
Kobbie Mainoo and Dan Gore in training for Man Utd
Photo by Ash Donelon/Manchester United via Getty Images
Dan Gore’s complete midfield display for Rotherham
It feels like a lifetime ago when Dan Gore burst onto the scene at Old Trafford with a sparkling pre-season.
Injuries have derailed Gore’s career to an extent, but the talent is undeniable, which is why Rotherham wanted him back on loan.
His spell at Rotherham last season was marred by freak injuries and questionable comments from his manager, so this was expected to be different.
Gore started well this season, but went off the boil in recent fixtures as he was fielded in unusual positions out wide.
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In their most recent game against Exeter City, Gore played as the attacking midfielder in a 3-4-1-2, and put in an all-action display in a 1-0 win.
He combined his usual energetic running and tackling with slick skill on the ball, creating two chances with 56 touches of the ball.
Gore completed the most dribbles in the match (2), completed eight passes into the final third, and recovered the ball a remarkable 11 times while playing the full 90 minutes. (Stats via Fotmob)
Gore has shown fine mental resilience by responding to setbacks in a professional manner, and he would hope that this is the start of another purple patch for him.
Ethan Ennis and Hack Moorhouse come back down to earth
If Gore’s story is one of getting back on the right track in his most recent game, then Ethan Ennis and Jack Moorhouse returned to earth after dream displays in their previous game.
Moorhouse scored his first senior goal in Leyton Orient’s previous game, while Ennis had a dream Fleetwood debut by marking it with a goal.
Orient continued on their winning ways, but Moorhouse couldn’t build on his first goal. He was subbed off after 70 minutes in a mostly anonymous display.
He did create two chances but completed just 12 passes in 70 minutes with 26 touches, winning four out of his nine duels contested.
Ennis, on the other hand, suffered defeat at the hands of Sonny Aljofree’s (another Man Utd loanee) Notts County in a game where he played an hour.
With just 10 passes, 26 touches, two shots, and two recoveries, it was much like Moorhouse’s performance as he stayed on the fringes.
Aljofree had a steady performance in a back-three as Notts County kept a clean sheet in this 1-0 win.