Angel Gomes in action against Huddersfield Town

United prospect Gomes feels there is more to come

Thursday 27 December 2018 09:19

Manchester United’s young prodigy Angel Gomes believes his substitute cameo appearance against Huddersfield Town at Old Trafford is ‘just the start’ and insists he will grasp every opportunity that comes his way under caretaker boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.

Gomes became United's youngest player in the Premier League era back in May 2017 when he made his Reds debut as a substitute against Crystal Palace.The teenager was awarded the Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year for 2017, becoming the youngest-ever winner of the accolade at the time.

Since then, Gomes has impressed in United's Under 23s and was rewarded with a place in the travelling squad when the Reds thrashed Cardiff City 5-1 away in Wales last weekend. The 18-year-old got his chance against Huddersfield this time around, replacing Juan Mata 10 minutes from the end, and admits he enjoyed the crowd's response.

Video
Angel Gomes speaks to MUTV after the game.

"Yes, it's always nice to come on, especially when you are a young lad, following in the footsteps of the other players who are progressing and doing well,” Gomes told MUTV. “To come on and hear the crowd cheering me on was a great feeling.

“My ears actually blocked! I couldn’t really hear, but, as soon as I got on, I felt at ease. The players helped me, they spoke to me and gave me instructions and I was fine from then on.”

Gomes believes he can now kick on from his return to first-team action, as he hopes to get further opportunities to play under caretaker manager Solskjaer.

“It is just the start, it was good,” he continued. "Me and Jimmy [James Garner] travelled for the last game as well, so to be involved again [today] was an added bonus and to get some minutes was great.

"I think United is about bringing youth through and I think with the new manager and how things are going, it is there for the taking really.” 

Gomes feels he can learn a lot from the new caretaker boss, given the number of goals Solskjaer scored for the club during his playing days.

“He is a legend at the club," acknowledged Angel. "The fans will get behind him because of the things he won with the club and how great a player he was. For me to learn from a manager like Solskjaer is great and the other younger lads too because growing up we were all watching him. It is a great feeling.”

Gomes on the attack against Huddersfield.

The skilful midfielder revealed what Solskjaer told him before he stepped on to the Old Trafford turf and reiterated that he now wants more chances to shine as a first-team player.

“He told me to enjoy myself, get on the pitch, come inside, get on the ball and get as many touches as I can and to enjoy the atmosphere," explained Gomes. "I tried to do that and it was a great experience.

“It's just the start and whichever team I play for, the Reserves, in the Youth League or the first team, I will give it my all and I will take every opportunity as it comes.”

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