Why Rotherham United unlocking Dan Gore could be key for Millers & big Man United decision | OneFootball

Unlocking Dan Gore's quality can prove essential in Rotherham's season but also for Man United to make a decision on the midfielder

Rotherham United brought Dan Gore back to Rotherham United on a season-long loan deal from Manchester United after being thoroughly impressed by his late-season cameo in League One under new manager Matt Hamshaw.

Former manager Steve Evans brought in Gore in the Winter Transfer Window for 2024/2025. However, he only amassed three appearances for the Millers with one assist due to injury. These performances, though, proved to manager Hamshaw that Gore was a player of real pedigree and made him a priority target to bring in for Rotherham’s midfield.

Gore is a true prospect of Manchester United’s prestigious academy, having captained their U21 side and winning the 2022-2023 Denzil Haroun Reserve Team Player of the Year award, with many fans tipping him for a place in the first team squad in the near future.

A hot and cold start to Rotherham’s season has proven a tough start for Gore, but there is still time to unlock a true starlet in the Man United loanee.

A slow start for bright player Gore

Rotherham started their League One campaign with a victory against Gore’s former club Port Vale, scoring twice in an impressive first-half display before coming under significant pressure in the second half and holding out for victory.

Rotherham followed this up with a poor display against an impressive Stevenage side, unable to create fluidly, resulting in no shots on target. The game ended with a defeat for Hamshaw's men on an afternoon which lacked any creativity.

Hamshaw has described Gore as the key link in the attacking third for Rotherham and his attributes are exactly those of a player who can create and work hard for the team striving for promotion.

However, Gore has had a very similar start to the rest of the squad – his time has ultimately been ineffective. Although hardworking, tough in a challenge and always happy to receive the ball, Gore struggled to get into his rhythm in the opening few games. But this is to be expected of a player who has played only nine games of senior football in his career - a player that is still waiting to fully mature.

Rotherham need Gore to find his rhythm, as his technical ability is something that many neutral fans would consider to be some of the best in League One. There is a timidness to his on-the-ball play at the moment, with Gore attempting to play easier balls and drift through games as opposed to truly taking charge, as he has done in his youth games.

The significance of this season for Gore

Gore has his contract run out with Man United in June 2026, meaning that this is his last chance to impress Ruben Amorim and secure his future at the Premier League club. This move is as important for Gore as it is for Rotherham.

With fan expectations of promotion and managerial expectations of improvement from the season before, Rotherham are going to be looking to be pushing for the play-offs this season – and Gore is an essential part of this.

Rotherham have attempted to play with wing-backs, but the chances have been few and far between in their opening few games, with the Millers struggling creating chances out wide and crosses into the box.

Gore has the ability to drive a team forward with his determination, passing range and dribbling attributes, but has yet to fully express himself. This is a decisive part of Rotherham’s success and if Gore can find this form he has shown at youth level, the Millers will be in possession of a hugely creative asset to drive them into top six contention.

Simultaneously, Gore has a significant amount on the line as well. Not only do his performances need to warrant a place in the Man United set-up, but overall, Gore needs to prove himself on the professional football stage in the hopes of securing a contract should Man United turn the other way.

The importance of Gore

With so much riding on this season for Gore, it is clear to see why his stalled start has happened. The main man at the age of 20 in a team with high expectations and with the risk of being without a club at the end of the season is huge pressure for such a young man who is inexperienced in the men’s game.

But, a lacklustre start for the starlet shouldn’t be cause for concern for neither Hamshaw nor Man United.

Gore has proven his quality time and time again at youth level, including leadership abilities, and has already been recognised for his quality at Man United.

Whilst Hamshaw didn’t initially bring Gore to Rotherham, his eye was caught by the highly talented midfielder and Hamshaw made him a ‘must-sign’ in this Summer Transfer Window.

Hamshaw and Rotherham fans are aware of the quality Gore possesses and, with time, this will shine through. He can prove to be a key player for the Millers in a season of such expectation, and open the door to a future at Old Trafford.