Not every Manchester United academy prospect makes it at the club, with some needing to go elsewhere to get their break.
Of the 251 Manchester United academy graduates to end up playing for the first team, the vast majority have not gone on to star for Manchester United.
Only the best United academy players have ended up becoming top-tier footballers, with George Best, Paul Scholes and Sir Bobby Charlton being among those.
These were joined more recently by Alejandro Garnacho and then Kobbie Mainoo who is Erik ten Hag gave a debut to.
But in 2020, one of the most exciting talents the club had produced in years bet on himself and left Carrington for Lille. Now, Angel Gomes‘ decision has been vindicated.
Manchester United’s 222nd academy graduate’s big decision vindicated
When Gomes opted to head to Lille, it left many United fans far from pleased given his talent at the time was unparalleled within the academy.
Gomes left to back himself to make a career away from United and it has without a doubt paid off – considering his development would not have been so smooth at United.
He has made 117 appearances for Lille in his three seasons at the club and became a real established Ligue 1 star in this time – Gomes finished last season with the most assists in the league.
Now, Gomes’ decision has received the ultimate justification as Lee Carsley named him in the England squad for the upcoming round of international fixtures.
Carsley named Gomes alongside Manchester United pair Harry Maguire and Mainoo as well as former United man Dean Henderson.
The call-up for Gomes is very deserved and he has qualities which nobody else in the England team has. But the call-up will be a huge moment for Gomes which justifies his decision four years ago.
Lee Carsley explains the decision to include Angel Gomes
After the squad was announced, interim boss Carsley explained his decision to take Gomes to the England camp.
“Angel’s very technical, controls the game with his skill & technique. Very determined, excellent attitude.
“Technically & tactically excellent. I think he’s a player that people are going to really be excited to see”.
Carsley will be familiar with Gomes’ talents having managed the U21s and various other youth groups for England.
So to hear him rave about the player produced by Carrington is exciting to see and we agree that people won’t realise just how good Gomes is until they see him in action during this international break.
It has been reported that Ineos are considering a move for Gomes, who at 23 still has bags full of potential which he could reach if given the chance.
We’re excited to see how Gomes gets on for England over the coming weeks, and we imagine if he impresses, he’ll be in the eyes of European giants next summer.
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