York City transfer truth emerges after 'ambitious' Man United move

York City made a big push to sign Man United's Dan Gore on a permanent basis - but it looks like they've lost out to a League One club

York City look to have missed out on a deal for Man United midfielder Dan Gore - but it hasn't been for the want of trying.

The Minstermen returned to the EFL earlier this year after 10 years away, fending off the challenge of Rochdale in the National League to take the one and only automatic promotion spot in the final day of the season - in which they scored in the 13th minute of second half added time to secure a point against their nearest challengers.

Now a League Two club once more, York were controversially in the news before a ball had even been kicked in 2026-27, with promotion-winning manager Stuart Maynard sacked in favour of bringing in former Crawley Town head coach Scott Lindsey, with a 'difference in vision' being the main factor for a change in the dugout, according to chairman Matt Uggla.

York City poised to miss out on Man United transfer

Uggla is often outspoken on social media in regards to York matters, as well as their rivals, but there's no denying that his family's money has been invested heavily into the club and its playing squad.

The Uggla's own a 51 per cent stake in City, and they've spent significant sums on players such as Dipo Akinyemi in 2023, Josh Stones from Wigan Athletic in 2025 (which FLW exclusively revealed) and this summer too, with Southend United wing-back Harry Boyes arriving for a six-figure fee.

And the ambitious moves - or attempted ones anyway - aren't stopping there, as with a few days left of the transfer window, York have tried to land a deal with Man United for midfielder Dan Gore.

According to journalist Pete O'Rourke, York made a permanent bid to try and sign the 21-year-old Red Devils academy graduate, but they've not been able to get a deal over the line - but perhaps for good reason.

Luton Town set to seal Dan Gore loan deal

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That is because as per O'Rourke, Gore is instead going back to League One rather than dropping into League Two, having spent last season with Rotherham United in the third tier.

This time though, the central midfielder is heading to one of the teams fancied for promotion in the form of Luton Town, with Jack Wilshere set to strike for his services.

Perhaps crucially as well, despite York's permanent offers, Luton are set to sign Gore on a loan deal, which perhaps suggests that United still see some value in selling him next summer for more than they have been offered this current summer.

Gore will join a stacked midfield unit at Kenilworth Road, which includes Jordan Clark, Liam Walsh, Kasey Palmer and Sverre Sandal, and he will perhaps be able to learn a great deal from his soon-to-be new head coach Wilshere, who of course played at the top level for Arsenal and also for England.

Dan Gore miss should not deter York City from big end to summer window

Aside from their early EFL Cup elimination at the hands of Crawley Town, York have had a decent start to their season, with four points picked up against Bristol Rovers and Rotherham United - two clubs who you'd expect to be at the top end of the standings come May.

Many of City's summer signings have been aged 26 and under, which means there's still development and improvement left in some of Lindsey's squads, and as they acclimatize to EFL football, you would think that Lindsey's side will improve further.

With his experience at levels higher than League Two, Dan Gore would have been a fantastic addition for York, and would have represented someone with plenty of resale value down the line, just like what happened with Malachi Fagan-Walcott, who signed from Cardiff City and was then sold to Hearts this summer for at least £700,000.

You cannot blame United however if they still see some value in keeping Gore's signature, and a good season at Luton could see them sell him for more money than perhaps the Minstermen were offering in the here and now - they'll move on to other targets though, and there'll be hope that another talented midfield player will arrive at the York Community Stadium.