Manchester United’s U21s captain seals loan move as recent debutant rejects new contract in huge blow to club

Manchester United’s youth prospect Dan Gore has joined Port Vale on loan for the remainder of the 2023/2024 campaign.

The 19-year-old, who is the captain of the U21s, is the eighth player to leave United on loan this month as he seeks increased game time and experience in a first-team setup.

Gore made his senior debut for the Reds back in September; he was granted a 29-minute cameo as the side saw out a 3-0 Carabao Cup victory against Crystal Palace on home turf. He then marked his maiden Premier League outing on Boxing Day in the closing stages of a triumphant comeback win over Aston Villa.

Andy Crosby, the Valiants’ manager, said of Gore’s arrival: “I am absolutely delighted to welcome Dan to Vale Park. Dan is a player that owns fantastic technical ability and the required competitiveness to his game to come in and immediately bolster the competition and options within our midfield.

“I would also like to thank Manchester United for entrusting us with one of their elite young talents. With the opportunities that were afforded to all of our loan players, as well as our style of play and player care, both Dan and Manchester United see Port Vale as the perfect home to continue his already impressive development.”

Port Vale FC are delighted to announce the loan signing of @ManUtd midfielder, Dan Gore.

The loan deal will see the 19-year-old remain at Vale Park until the end of the 2023/24 Sky Bet League One season.#PVFC | #UTV

— Port Vale FC (@OfficialPVFC) January 23, 2024

Forson refuses to sign new deal

Elsewhere in the academy, Omari Forson has reportedly rejected a new contract proposal, which has left Erik ten Hag sweating over his options in attack as Facundo Pellistri closes in on a temporary exit this month, as per the Daily Mail.

Forson, 19, made his senior bow during stoppage-time of the side’s FA Cup third-round win over Wigan Athletic on January 8.