Manchester United’s loan group has been unusually successful this season, but one player’s recent milestone is likely to annoy Gary Neville.

Although his precise involvement isn’t widely publicised, this campaign can certainly be viewed as a positive reflection on Jonny Evans in his role overseeing United’s loans and development pathways. Several youngsters have flourished away from Old Trafford.

Harry Amass has been the standout, adapting to Championship football effortlessly and setting a strong example for other academy prospects seeking loan moves. Radek Vitek has impressed at Bristol City, and Toby Collyer has been a reliable presence for West Brom. Yet another promising story is unfolding a division lower in League One.

Dan Gore celebrates for Rotherham.
Photo by Paul Harding/Getty Images

Dan Gore nets first senior goal for Rotherham against Salford City

After two consecutive loan spells that failed to take off, Dan Gore is finally enjoying a breakthrough season with Rotherham United.

He has earned consistent minutes, played an important role for his team, stayed fit, and—crucially—performed well on the pitch. Now, he has added another highlight: the first senior goal of his career, scored during Rotherham’s emphatic 7–2 victory over Salford City in the EFL Cup’s round of 32.

That goal will have delighted United staff… but it almost certainly left Neville furious, given the heavy defeat suffered by his Salford side.

United fans weigh in

Many supporters believe Amass has been the club’s most impressive loanee so far this season, some even arguing he could start for the first team right now given the form of Diogo Dalot and Dorgu.
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More loan success: Ethan Wheatley shines for Northampton

Gore wasn’t the only United youngster to stand out this week. Ethan Wheatley, whose loan at Walsall last season was largely forgettable, is showing major improvement at Northampton Town.

The forward has already scored three League One goals and is earning praise for his overall play. In Tuesday’s 2–0 win over Wycombe, he delivered an excellent performance, provided an assist, and walked away with the man-of-the-match award.

Both Gore and Wheatley appear to be developing rapidly, and Gore in particular may force his way into Ruben Amorim’s first-team thinking next summer if he continues this trajectory.