Erik ten Hag might be preparing to give Manchester United's next starlet his big chance

Manchester United ended their six-year trophy drought in Erik ten Hag's first season in charge.

The Reds managed to go all the way in the Carabao Cup, eventually beating Newcastle United in the final. However, various factors mean the tournament might not be quite as high up on Ten Hag's list of priorities this year.

United will be battling with Europe's elite in the Champions League this season, while the club's mounting injury list means Ten Hag may have no choice but to rotate his squad against Crystal Palace, despite fielding the strongest team possible in most of his side's Carabao Cup outings last term.

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While retaining the cup would be a brilliant achievement, United are likely to take the opportunity to rotate so as to avoid injuries to some of their key men. With places up for grabs, one player who could be ready for a start is youngster Dan Gore.

During the pre-season tour of the US, Ten Hag showed his first signs of admiration towards the central midfielder by including him in his squad and the 18-year-old impressed enough to earn a start against Athletic Bilbao in Dublin. His performance was exemplary for a teenager and he showed signs he was not fazed by playing alongside first-teamers.

In August, with the transfer window coming to an end and midfield duo Kobbie Mainoo and Mason Mount both recovering from injuries, United chose not to loan Gore out. Instead, Ten Hag has trusted him to be on the bench for five matches this season, sometimes being picked in the matchday squad ahead of more experienced players like Donny van de Beek.

The natural progression for Gore would be for him to start in the