On the 21st May 2017 against Crystal Palace, 16-year-old Angel Gomes made his Manchester United debut. It was Wayne Rooney who made way in his last start for the club. It felt poetic that he was being replaced by an exciting youth prospect. Although, since then, Gomes has been unable to break through into the first team unless it has been on the bench. The United man is in the last year of his contract.
Angel Gomes Contract Situation at Manchester United
Youth Level
Gomes thrived at U18 level for United, scoring 11 and assisting six goals in 17 games throughout 2016/17. In the following two seasons Gomes, slowly gained experience in the U23s and ended the 2018/19 season as captain.
It seemed that the 2019/20 season would be the perfect year for Gomes to progress and get a solid amount of minutes in the first team. He could’ve also gone out on loan and gained experience at a club abroad.
Limited Minutes for Gomes 2019/20
Gomes has only played six games for the senior team this season, starting only one of them in his favoured position at number ten.
The frustrating part for him and the fans are the promises that Ole Gunnar Solskjaer made at the start of the year. After preseason 2019, Solskjaer was asked about whether he planned to loan Angel Gomes and Tahith Chong, he replied: “To be honest, I can see them staying here and making a proper impact.
“They have already, on pre-season, and they did so in February, March and April. They did well in training but we never gave them enough game time. Pre-season has shown they have grown over the last six months and they are getting used to men’s football.
“They will get opportunities.”
But this hasn’t happened for Gomes. It could’ve been a great season for his development if he was allowed to leave on loan.
The Competition in His Position
The fact that Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira, who have got a combined three goals and six assists in 69 games this year, which is poor, have continued to be starting games while Gomes has not gotten a chance is baffling to many.
The pair have produced many under-par performances this season, yet they are continuously chosen in the 11 and squad ahead of Gomes.
With Gomes not being chosen with this kind of competition, he must not feel confident of getting a chance with the additional signing of Bruno Fernandes.
Stalling the Contract
Gomes’ contract at United runs out this June, and it seems that United are keen on renewing it. Quite rightly, though, Gomes wants assurance that he has a pathway into the side and the opportunity to play regular first-team football next season, whether that be on loan or at Old Trafford.
The contract problems have created a mess, as Solskjaer seems like he won’t involve Gomes in games until he signs. This has just caused Gomes to doubt about it even further.
But Gomes will sign a contract if it is reasonable and gives him an opportunity. He is a United fan and clearly wants to play for the club.
Progression for Gomes
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer recently left both Pereira and Lingard out of the squad at Watford. Gomes and Chong both were in the squad.
Although, the boss shook off MUTV’s questions about their absences: “We’ve picked a squad of 18 that we felt it was the right 18 here. ‘We’ve got cover on the bench for wide-men, forwards, midfielders and defenders so that was a decision I made.”
There are many rumours that the pair could be heading for the exit door in the summer, this could mean more opportunities in the team for Gomes.
Nicky Butt has come out and praised Gomes as he hopes that the 19-year-old signs a contract. He said: “I’ve still got massive hopes for him. He’s got a contract dispute at the minute which all players have. I don’t get involved in that. That’s personal. The boy trains every day, works hard & his talent is unbelievable”,
“His work ethic, the way he approaches training every day, & 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.”
It is clear that Gomes has the potential and ability to be a top player. United need to ensure they tie him down to a long term contract. The club do not want a repeat of the Paul Pogba situation, that is for sure.
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