Angel Gomes has waited since November for another Manchester United chance. He finally got one last night, in the most difficult of circumstances at Old Trafford.
Gomes came off the bench against City with United trailing 3-0. The tie looked over.
The stage was set for Gomes to become a hero, and while a miracle was understandably beyond him, he managed to have a positive impact on the game.
Gomes won the ball back with a quick interception and pass to supply Mason Greenwood, who slid in an inch perfect pass for Marcus Rashford to score a consolation goal.
It was a goal made in Manchester, and it showed the quick thinking and tenacity Gomes can bring to the team.
He needs to play to develop
Gomes plays in a position where United are desperately weak. Why not give him more time to prove himself?
He needs to play to develop and learn at a first team level, and Jesse Lingard should be out of chances. He was awful in the first half, although he wasn’t the only one.
Not everything Gomes tried came off. One lofted pass was just too close to Ederson to collect, and he was too hesitant late on the counter and City closed him down.
Those were both instances he can learn from, and more first team chances are needed for him to adjust at a first team level. It might even persuade him to sign a new deal.
It would be great to see him get an opportunity against Norwich in the Premier League at the weekend.
Praise for Gomes
Here is a look at the reaction to his performance…
- Which Eric Bailly will we see on his first United appearance of the season?
- Charlie Savage tries claiming deflected own goal and his teammates are not having it
- Ex United duo Falcao and Bebe combine to net late winner for La Liga side
- Teden Mengi produces captain’s performance in EFL Trophy win
- What is Cristiano Ronaldo’s penalty record for Manchester United?