Manchester United may well sign world class players but they’ve quite a habit of making them too. And Angel Gomes could be the next Carrington-based superstar.
Even the most dubious rumours linking a Manchester United youngster with a premature departure has everyone wringing their hands these days. Thanks Paul. However, long-standing reports that a certain Catalan superclub has its clutches primed, coupled with Jose Mourinho’s less than commendable record of bringing through young players, and it’s understandable that United supporters are feeling a little fretful. It’s a feeling they’re used to these days.
According to the Manchester Evening News, Barcelona have been tracking the progress of 16-year-old prodigy Angel Gomes for quite some time now. But who is the latest jewel of United’s diamond-polishing finishing school? Well, in short, he’s someone they would be well served to keep.
1) The silky Portuguese midfielder may be just a few months younger than his nation’s Euro 2016 winning captain, Cristiano Ronaldo, when he arrived at Old Trafford all blonde strands and dizzying stepovers, but don’t be fooled into thinking he’s making slow progress. Gomes made his debut for United’s Under-18s aged just 14.
2) The Iberian nation has been blessed with some of the world’s most talented creative midfielders of recent generations. However, unlike Deco, Luis Figo and Manuel Rui Costa, Gomes supplements his inventive aptitude with an eye for goal. Coming off the bench to strike a hat-trick past Everton in September, Gomes became the third youngest player ever to score a hat-trick for the club’s academy. Impact.
3) Not that Portugal are going to be fulfilling any dreams of affiliating United’s legendary number seven with his potential ancestor. Gomes has already captained England’s Under-17s this season, meaning a potential partnership Marcus Rashford at international level is not an impossible proposition.
4) Nicky Butt knows a thing or two about being a successful midfielder at Manchester United, winning six Premier League titles, four FA Cup and the Champions League while sharing a pitch with Paul Scholes, Ryan Giggs, Roy Keane and David Beckham. So when he’s gushing with praise, you know youre something special.
“It’s ridiculous,” the head of coaching at United’s academy told the MEN. “I look at the kids and they’re miles better than I was at their age – technically. Angel Gomes is a young talented player we’ve massive hopes for.”
5) It’s in the genes. Gomes’ father, former Portuguese Under-21 international Gil, wound down his playing career in Manchester, albeit with Salford City and Hyde United. His prodigious son, we assume, has rather higher hopes.
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