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One To Watch: Manchester United's 16-Year-Old Prodigy Angel Gomes

One To Watch: Manchester United's 16-Year-Old Prodigy Angel Gomes

He is already being touted as the next Marcus Rashford.

Jack Kenmare

Jack Kenmare

On the 25th February 2016, a relatively unknown teenager introduced himself to world football with two goals in the Europa League. Marcus Rashford's name suddenly rolled off the tongue like we had been uttering his name for years. On that special night in Manchester, a star was born.

The rise of this incredibly talented and down to earth young man isn't just 'a one off' for Manchester United Football Club because a new revelation is brewing in the youth team.

His name is Angel Gomes.

Image: Instagram/Angel Gomes
Image: Instagram/Angel Gomes

At the age of 16, Gomes has drawn comparisons to Manchester United's biggest prospect for a number of reasons.

Like Rashford, his maturity on the pitch surpasses his years. He may be the youngest player to score a hat-trick for Manchester United's academy in 15 years but Gomes remains level headed.

The teenager also has football running through his veins. He is the cousin of former Manchester United winger Nani and his father Gil was an Angolan-born former Portugal Under-21 striker who played alongside the likes of Luis Figo and Rui Costa.

In an exclusive interview with SPORTbible, the 16-year-old spoke highly of his brother, who also came through the ranks at Manchester United.

"I looked up to my brother when i was younger. He (Rico) played for Manchester United when I was younger and growing up, I always watched him play." Gomes told us.

"He could literally do anything. I just stood amazed at what he could do with a ball.

Image: Instagram/Angel Gomes
Image: Instagram/Angel Gomes

Gomes also spoke of his father, who played alongside Luis Figo and Rui Costa in the Portugal Under-21 squad, and cousin Nani, who played for Manchester United between 2007 and 2015.

"My father Gil was a huge inspiration. He always made the time to teach me skills. He made sure I tried those skills during a game, no matter how hard they were.

"Nani is another big influence in my life. When he was at United, he always supported me and my brother and had our backs whenever times got tough. He taught me to always be humble and never change.

"I look up to him on and off the field. He is my role model and will be for many years to come."

Image: Instagram/Angel Gomes
Image: Instagram/Angel Gomes

Gomes has it all. Unlike a large proportion of players in his age group, the 16-year-old has the ability to find the right pass. He knows when to shoot, and when to find a man.

This attribute, combined with incredible pace and skill, means that he can and will become a phenomenal number 10 in the coming years - whether than be in the Premier League or abroad.

Back in October 2016, Gomes alerted Barcelona scouts after a number of impressive performances for club and country.

Again, he kept his feet on the ground and showed his maturity.

Many people have asked whether Gomes would leave Manchester United but we can officially say that after speaking with the man himself, we can confirm that he wants to stay at Old Trafford for the foreseeable future.

"In five years time, I would like to be playing professionally for Manchester United. Winning titles is huge for me. I want to play international football, play in World Cups and European Championships. I want to be the best player at my age level.

I set myself high standards and try to push myself to play at the highest level."

Image: Manchester United
Image: Manchester United

Gomes also shares a huge amount of similarities with the big guns like Kevin de Bruyne - great technique, superb spacial awareness, pace, skill and bags of creativity - remind you of anyone?

Someone who Gomes speaks highly about is former Barcelona playmaker Ronaldinho, who was a huge role model for the player growing up.

"Ronaldinho taught me to play with a smile. He had a certain way of playing that was so unique and different. Not many players could pull off the tricks he did. Ronaldinho never seemed to play under pressure.

"He was always the main man during his playing days and nothing phased him."

From what we are about to watch, studying the great Ronaldinho has certainly made an impression on the youngster.

On the 16th October 2015, Angel Gomes uploaded his first Instagram post and his reputation has elevated to an incredible 75,000 followers at the age of 16.

Gomes has been at Old Trafford since May 2014 after previously impressing on trial with the under-17s aged just 13.

"He is a young talented player that we have massive hopes for." said academy boss and former United midfielder Nicky Butt.

A great talent with huge prospects. Remember the name.

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