One of Manchester United’s EFL loanees could be set for a January switch after an impressive first half of the campaign.
Jonny Evans began the season as Manchester United’s Head of Pathways, overseeing the loan moves of several youngsters looking to secure a real taste of professional football after a period in the academy.
While Evans has now left his role, the youngsters he sent out of Old Trafford are continuing to flourish. Harry Amass and Radek Vitek have been among the best players in the Championship this season, despite comments from Rúben Amorim about the left-back.
Toby Collyer was also loaned to England’s second tier, but has since returned to Old Trafford for treatment of his current injury. The midfielder will likely return to West Brom when he is back to full fitness.
Other loanees in the EFL include: Dan Gore, a starter for Rotherham United; Jack Moorhouse, a regular player for Leyton Orient; Ethan Wheatley, a starter for Northampton Town; Elyh Harrison, Shrewsbury Town’s second-choice goalkeeper; Sonny Aljofree, at Notts County; Ethan Ennis, a wing-back for Fleetwood Town, and Habeeb Ogunneye at Newport County
United also have several young players excelling outside of England. Ethan Williams, who scored for the senior side in pre-season, has impressed at Falkirk, and Enzo Kana-Biyik has been loaned to Lausanne-Sport.
Gore’s future in doubt
Gore is in his second season at Rotherham United, following a short spell there last campaign before an injury saw him return to Old Trafford.
This season, the young midfielder, who was often compared to Kobbie Mainoo in the academy setup, has impressed, with 19 starts from the 20 League One games Rotherham have played.
His good form could see him either return to United or be moved higher up the football league in January. Matt Hamshaw – Rotherham United manager – has told The Yorkshire Post: “If we get to the end of January and he’s still here it would be a great signing.
“Sometimes it’s hard with loans. You want your loan players to come in and really do well and then when they do well you might lose them in January. I think Dan is enjoying it here, I’m in regular contact with Man United and they seem happy with him here but if anyone comes in with an offer that blows us out of the water then he’s going to go.”
Gore previously said: “I’m really happy here, I just take it game by game. Man United have said just keep getting the games under your belt, keep playing well.”
Who else could leave on loan?
Several of United’s young talents could leave on loan in January, especially if Gore returns to the club for the second half of the season.
Ayden Heaven may be the first to leave, with United reportedly looking at defensive signings. Regular gametime could help the former Arsenal youngster settle into life as a central defender, having only moved deeper in recent years.
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Kobbie Mainoo and Joshua Zirkzee are among the other senior players who could be looking for a loan move, amid concerns about their gametime. Diego Leon also looks set for a loan move, with links to INEOS-owned OGC Nice.
As for the under-21s, Chido Obi may be looking for a move after Amorim’s comments on his minutes for the academy side. Shea Lacey and Jack Fletcher may also ask for a loan after coming close to the senior side, without an appearance just yet.
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