Morgan Gibbs-White has opened up on his admiration for Manchester United with the Nottingham Forest ace idolising Premier League legends Wayne Rooney and Paul Scholes.
As Forest hammered on the Crystal Palace door without ever breaking it down on Saturday – Match of the Day brilliantly running their own ‘Almost Goal of the Month’ competition featuring three near-misses from Steve Cooper’s visitors – Morgan Gibbs-White was a lick of paint away from a finish even Wayne Rooney or Paul Scholes in their pomp would have been proud of.
Racing onto a wonderful Murillo pass, Gibbs-White attempted a sublime first-time chip and nearly pulled it off too. Only the spin of the ball and the base of the post denying him a (genuine) Goal of the Month contender.
One of the rising stars of English football, the influence of two Manchester United icons shines through as Gibbs-White pulls the strings from his roving, attacking midfield role. Stylishly unlocking unsuspecting defences like a the most light-fingered of ‘cat burglars’.
Gibbs-White idolises two Man United legends
“Growing up as a kid, I supported United,” Gibbs-White tells the Premier League’s YouTube channel. “So Rooney was always my favourite player.
“He was the real key player in that squad. So calm and composed. He used to pick up pockets, run in behind, score goals.
“Another player when I was growing up that I loved watching was Paul Scholes,” the former England U21 international adds.
“He could pick the ball up and just zing it everywhere. He was just so calm and composed on the ball. That’s where my love for football came (from).”
An England call-up incoming?
Maintain his current rate of progress and it may be only a matter of time before clubs of the size and stature of Manchester United come knocking on Nottingham Forest’s door. Gibbs-White has already been linked with Tottenham Hotspur this year, one of the back of an impressive five goals and eight assists during his debut season at Forest.
“I wouldn’t say he has single-handedly kept Nottingham Forest in the league. But every time I watch him… he had a big price tag, there are a lot of eyes on him and I think he’s justified that,” Jamie Carragher told Gary Neville on Sky Sports a few months ago.
“I think he must be really close to the England squad. I really do believe he should be in the next England squad.”
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