Who is Angel Gomes? We profile the Man Utd and England younster

By Peter Smith

Image: Angel Gomes made his Manchester United Premier League debut on Sunday

Manchester United youngster Angel Gomes has sparked excitement this week.

The 16-year-old cousin of former United ace Nani scooped one of the club's most prestigious prizes after impressing for the academy this season, joined Jose Mourinho's first-team squad for training on Friday and then made his Premier League debut on Sunday.

Image: Gomes impressed in his late cameo against Crystal Palace

But who is the talented teen? Read on to find out...

Profile

Name: Angel Gomes

Age: 16

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Born: London

Position: Attacking midfielder

Also See:

Club: Manchester United

International recognition: England U16s and U17s

Image: Gomes has captained England's U17 team

What's he won?

On Thursday Gomes became the youngest-ever winner of Manchester United's Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year award.

Voted by fans on the club's official website, the prize recognises the club's top young talents, and has previously been won by legends Paul Scholes and Ryan Giggs.

Image: Gomes won the Man Utd Youth Team Player of the Year award

"It's a dream come true. Being a young age, it's things like this you wish for. All the hard work you put in at the training ground - this is the end result," he told MUTV.

Youngest Man Utd Youth Team Player of the Year award winners

Angel Gomes - 16 years, 9 months - 2017
Mats Daehli - 17 years, 2 months -2012
Will Keane - 17 years, 4 months - 2010
Phil Neville - 17 years, 4 months - 1994
Axel Tuanzebe - 17 years, 6 months - 2015
Ryan Giggs - 17 years, 6 months - 1991
Danny Welbeck - 17 years, 6 months - 2008
Federico Macheda - 17 years, 9 months - 2009

What type of player is he?

Gomes is an attacking midfielder who can operate in the No 10 role. Manchester United describe him as "comfortable and assured in possession with a wide passing range", while his 12 goals in 19 starts for the academy this season demonstrate his finishing ability.

However, the rising star has also shown leadership qualities and has captained both England's U16 and U17 teams - although injury has kept him out of the latter's run to the final of this year's European Championships.

Image: Gomes is an attacking midfielder

What's his background?

Gomes is the cousin of former Manchester United star Nani but his father was also a handy player. Gil Gomes won the U17 European Championships with Porto in 1989 before playing for a number of clubs across the globe, including Salford City.

Gomes was born in London but signed by United as a 13-year-old. His rapid progress saw him make his first appearance for the U18s at the age of 14 and he was named the most valuable player at the Premier Cup in 2015.

What do they say about him?

Manchester United youth team boss Nicky Butt told the Times: "We've got some unbelievable players. Angel Gomes is a young talented player we've massive hopes for."

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