Manchester United Football Club are excellent when it comes to developing young players and giving them their chance at the highest level.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer has carried on that mantra wonderfully-well, taking Marcus Rashford’s game to that next level, while Mason Greenwood is the next in line for stardom.
During pre-season tour, Tahith Chong and Angel Gomes were given their chance to impress, both took that opportunity. However, since the competitive fixtures started, they’ve been used sparingly. When they have played, they definitely haven’t impressed…
Both are still locked in contract negotiations with United as their current deals continue to wind down. Yesterday, while speaking to the Manchester Evening News, club icon Nicky Butt was asked directly about the mega-talented 19-year-old Gomes, whom he labelled ‘one hell of a player’ if things all come together for him…
“I’ve still got massive hopes for him,” Butt told the Manchester Evening News. “He’s got a contract dispute at the minute which all players have, and I don’t get involved in that. That’s what he does with his agent and the club. That’s personal.
“The boy trains every day and works hard and his talent is unbelievable. His work ethic, the way he approaches training every day, and the way he approaches games whether he’s playing for the reserve-team, the Under-19s, the first-team, is spot-on and he’s a very talented boy.
“He’s different to players like Scott [McTominay], because they are powerful and they can go an compete at that level. Angel is different. He has to get the right niche at the right time.
“If it all comes together then we’ve got one hell of a player on our hands.”
For me, Gomes looks a little bit lightweight. I’d love for the young Englishman to get a regular run in the team, but with the addition of Bruno Fernandes, that looks less likely than ever…
Obviously, Butt works with him day-in-day-out and knows how special this boy is with a football at his feet. However, I just don’t think he’s going to get that chance at Old Trafford anymore. That’s probably why Gomes hasn’t even featured in a match-day squad in months, nevermind actually getting out on the field…
I don’t doubt that Gomes will have huge offers from some European giants come the summer. I just pray that he chooses one where he’ll get playing time rather than opting for the big paycheque.
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