Dan Gore made his Manchester United debut on his 19th birthday last night.
The teenager has been highly rated for his performances in the U21s over the past season and it’s evident that Erik ten Hag has been taking note too, as Gore has been named on the bench for four of United’s Premier League fixtures this term.
He was also included in the matchday squad to face Bayern Munich at the Allianz Arena last week, which would’ve undoubtedly been a pinch-yourself moment for the young prospect.
Ten Hag then opted to award Gore his maiden outing on Tuesday evening during the side’s Carabao Cup clash against Crystal Palace.
He played for 29 minutes and, as you’d expect from the Old Trafford faithful when an Academy product makes the leap into the senior squad, received a warm welcome when he entered the fold.
Gore reacts to United debut
Post-match, he reflected on the unforgettable night when speaking to MUTV: “I think it tops the list of birthdays! It was a truly special moment. I don’t think words can describe the feeling, just seeing the fans… everything you’ve dreamed of coming true.
“It means everything [to myself and my family]. Growing up as a United fan, and my whole family, it means a lot to them. They were all here supporting me.”
Regarding Ten Hag’s instructions, he said: “He just told me to go out and enjoy myself, express myself [and that] I deserved the chance.”
“Being around all the world-class players day in, day out, it’s really helped me a lot – improve my game,” Gore continued. “I’m learning off the best.”