Angel Gomes can become world-class talent, says former Manchester United youth coach Paul McGuiness

The 16-year-old is a revered prospect at Old Trafford and scored 12 goals in 21 appearances for the club’s U18s team this season

Richard Thomas
Tuesday 23 May 2017 17:03 BST
Comments
Angel Gomes in action against Crystal Palace on the last day of the season
Angel Gomes in action against Crystal Palace on the last day of the season (Getty)

Your support helps us to tell the story

This election is still a dead heat, according to most polls. In a fight with such wafer-thin margins, we need reporters on the ground talking to the people Trump and Harris are courting. Your support allows us to keep sending journalists to the story.

The Independent is trusted by 27 million Americans from across the entire political spectrum every month. Unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock you out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. But quality journalism must still be paid for.

Help us keep bring these critical stories to light. Your support makes all the difference.

Former Manchester United youth coach Paul McGuiness has said Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes can become a world-class talent, arguing he could go on to become the next Andres Iniesta or Xavi.

The 16-year-old is a revered prospect at Old Trafford and scored 12 goals in 21 appearances for the club’s U18s team this season.

His performances earned him a first run-out for the United first team last Sunday, with manager Jose Mourinho bringing him on for the final moments of the 2-0 Premier League win over Crystal Palace.

And youth coach McGuiness, who worked with Gomes prior to leaving the club’s Academy last year, believes the teenage attacking-midfielder has what it takes to be a top player for years to come.

“I’m not saying he’s yet a top player, of course not,” the 51-year-old told BBC Radio 5 live.

“But he has got the talent, there’s no doubt about that.

“We’re crying out for players in this country similar to Iniesta and Xavi and Silva and so on.

“Well, here’s a boy who’s like that - if he improves. And I’m sure he will improve playing with better players.”

McGuiness added that Gomes’ emergence at Old Trafford would also one day benefit the England national team.

“It’s great, not only for Man United but for the country to think you’ve got a player with that sort of potential, of that type, that we don’t have a lot of.”

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in