Angel Gomes, who came up through the Manchester United academy, recently shared some thoughts on how players sometimes struggle with the "weight of the shirt" at such a massive club. It’s interesting, really — many have left Old Trafford and found success elsewhere.
Gomes, who joined United when he was just six, made his first-team debut at 16 back in 2017. That made him the youngest player to wear the United jersey since Duncan Edwards way back in 1953. Pretty impressive, right?
Now, he’s signed with Marseille for this summer and has been doing quite well in Ligue 1. Last year, he even earned four caps for England under interim manager Lee Carsley, which is no small feat.
Speaking to the BBC, Gomes pointed out that some players might not fully grasp what it means to play for a club like Manchester United. He suggested that the pressure can be pretty intense. "I think some do," he said, adding that a few players might feel intimidated or just not understand what the club’s legacy entails.
He continued, "Ultimately, it’s about the environment, timing, and having the right support in place." It makes sense, doesn’t it? Some who have moved on from United have found their stride elsewhere, possibly because they found the right fit at a different club.
Gomes also mentioned that it’s not always as simple as saying someone failed because of the pressure. There are so many factors at play. His comments come at a time when several players who faced criticism while at United have gone on to shine in other leagues.
Take Scott McTominay, for example. Another talent from the United youth system, he was recently named Serie A’s most valuable player. That’s quite a turnaround!
For Gomes, the journey hasn’t been easy. He reflected, “It was very complicated, but thank God, with my family’s support and mainly with God’s help, I managed to move forward. Now, I’m really happy here.”
Last season was tough for Man United, marking one of their worst Premier League campaigns, finishing a disappointing 15th in the table. And to top it off, they won’t be competing in Europe next season after losing to Tottenham in the Europa League final. Ouch! Missing out on Champions League qualification is a big deal for a club with such a rich history.
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