Friday 19 May 2017

Introducing.... Angel Gomes

United manager Jose Mourinho will hand several youth and reserve team players a senior debut in the Crystal Palace match on Sunday.

Among those mentioned who could feature in the Premier League finale is the newly-crowned Jimmy Murphy Player of the Year, 16-year-old Angel Gomes - who trained with the first team squad on Friday. 

Gomes became the youngest ever winner of the award and is in Jose's plans to feature against the Eagles.
If he does get on the field for the first team, a number of record are set to tumble. 

Should he play against Sam Allardyce's side, he would be United's youngest Premier League debutant, and third-youngest ever at 16 years 263 days, behind David Gaskell (16 years 19 days) and Duncan Edwards (16 years 185 days). 

Here, we take a look at the emerging prodigy and his rise to what could be a sensational senior bow.

A precocious talent, widely regarded as one of the best in the Academy, Gomes has been a shining light for Kieran McKenna's Under-18 team this term.

Playing at a level that belies his tender years, Gomes is an attacking midfielder who can also operate in the no.10 role.
Described as comfortable, intelligent and assured in possession with a wide passing range, his 12 goals in 19 Academy starts this season have showcased his finishing ability.

He also became the youngest player to score a hat-trick for United at Academy level in 15 years, with a treble in a 5-1 win at Everton three days before he turned 16 in August. 

As well as being a talented and versatile forward, Gomes has also demonstrated his leadership qualities, having captained England at both U16 and U17 level.
He looked set for a first taste of major tournament football with Steve Cooper's side at this month's European Championship, only to be cruelly denied with injury. 

Signed as a 13 year old, Gomes has always played above his level at United, making his much-anticipated youth team debut for the club when just 14, against Middlesbrough at the end of the 2014-15 season. 

Born in London, he comes from a footballing family with his father Gil a much-travelled journeyman player who played for Porto and Braga in his homeland (he also had a spell with Salford City in the 1990s). 
His brother was also once on United's books and he's the cousin of Valencia, Portugal and former United winger Nani. 

This week is perhaps the biggest of Gomes' fledgling career as he prepares to potentially be catapulted into the public spotlight. 



No comments:

Post a Comment