Gomes Honoured To Make United Debut At 16

Manchester United prospect Angel Gomes spoke about how honoured he feels to become the club's youngest player since Duncan Edwards during an exclusive post-match interview with MUTV.

The 16-year-old, who joins Jeff Whitefoot, Edwards, Willie Anderson and Norman Whiteside in making his league bow at that age, played in the closing stages of the 2-0 victory over Crystal Palace. David Gaskell was younger when making his debut in the Charity Shield in 1956, and Arthur Rowley younger still, at 15, although his Wartime appearance does not count in United's official records.

"Obviously, it's a dream come true," he told MUTV. "I've been here since the age of six, working my way up and it's what everyone dreams about.

"I just want to thank the manager for putting me on the bench and playing me today, and all the staff back at the club and everyone who has helped me. I'm from Manchester, Salford and it's literally down the road. It's just unbelievable."

Gomes faced an anxious wait before coming on for Wayne Rooney with two minutes left, particularly as Matty Willock was primed to replace Eric Bailly when the defender appeared to be coming off with an injury.

"I saw Eric Bailly go down and we'd already made two subs," he added. "I didn't know and Matty Willock was told to warm up so I was a bit curious. The boss told me to warm up and I was out there about 25 minutes with Daley Blind and then I heard my name was fortunate to be played.

"I felt the players made it easy for me really. Before coming on, I was speaking to Michael Carrick about how to get into the pockets and stuff and he helped me out a lot when I came on. He just kept trying to pass to me so I was happy and all the lads supported me and helped me, telling me what to do so I thank them for that."

The future looks bright for the England Under-17 captain who is delighted to be included in the same bracket as iconic Reds figure Edwards, who tragically lost his life at Munich in 1958.

"Duncan Edwards was a great player and a United legend," added Gomes. "He started playing when he was young and it is an honour to be the youngest since him.

"It happened so quickly really, from Thursday [getting the Jimmy Murphy Youth-Team Player of the Year award] to Sunday, training on Friday and making an impression in Saturday's training before being named on the bench today and coming on.

"My family were in the crowd, I was fortunate to get 10 tickets for all my family and I saw them in the corner when I was warming up and gave them a little thumbs-up. It was amazing.

"It was a dream coming on and it's happened so quickly. I don't know what the future plans are for next season but I just want to continue playing, whether it's in the Under-18s or Under-23s, I just want to stay with the good habits and carry on pushing really. Who knows, I'm not sure what the plans are for next season."