Man Utd announce contract extensions for duo who have impressed in pre-season

Manchester United have announced that youngsters Rhys Bennett and Daniel Gore have signed contract extensions with the club.

The pair have both impressed so far in pre-season and Gore was last week included in the 31-man first-team squad that flew to New York, while injury has sadly prevented Bennett from flying out with the club to the USA.

The 19-year-old centre-back captained United’s FA Cup Youth-winning side in 2022 and scored in the final against Nottingham Forest. He also played in the 2-0 victory against Leeds United in Norway two weeks ago, and looked solid at the heart of defence.

United’s decision to award Bennett a new contract comes after Ten Hag admitted last week that the club could need up to five centre-backs next season, with Harry Maguire expected to depart, leaving the club with potentially just three senior options at the heart of defence.

As for Gore, he starred in the recent win over Lyon, providing the assist for Donny van de Beek’s winner and also earned our man of the match award. The midfielder was given a new number (44) ahead of the 2023/24 season and won the Jimmy Murphy Young Player of the Year last term.

He wasn’t involved in the win over Arsenal on Saturday night but is highly thought of by Ten Hag, who has already outlined that youth players will be given a chance in the first team this season. “We have to improve the squad - you can do it with players from transfers but also players who are across the whole youth academy at Man United,” the Dutchman said in Oslo.

“Man United is famous about bringing young kids to play in the first team. Last year, [Alejandro] Garnacho, he made it. I always hope for a minimum of one player who can go into our squad and make minutes and compete for a starting XI position.”