McTominay: My Advice For Angel Gomes

Scott McTominay has offered his advice for Angel Gomes as the talented teen looks to follow in the midfielder's footsteps by becoming an established member of the first-team squad.

Gomes, who has been at Manchester United since the age of six, signed his first professional contract with the club earlier this month – something he described as “amazing” – while Head of Academy Nicky Butt believes the 17-year-old starlet has “a very bright future” ahead of him.

McTominay was delighted to hear the exciting attacking midfielder has put pen to paper. Reacting to the news in a recent interview with MUTV, he recalled: “I remember when Angel was 13 years old, and even nine or 10 years old, and he had unbelievable potential.

“It’s really nice to see that he’s signed his professional contract. I just want to say congratulations to Angel and all of his family because he does deserve that. He’s one of the most hard-working lads that you can meet so I’m really pleased for him and, hopefully, he can kick on now and come to the first team and keep going the way he’s going.”

Gomes has represented the club at every level, with the exception of the Reserves, and felt honoured to make his first-team debut as a 16-year-old in United's final Premier League game of last season against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford – becoming the club’s youngest player since Duncan Edwards in 1953.

McTominay - who, like Gomes, has been with United from a young age and made his senior debut at last season – knows what it’s like to progress through the ranks. He feels that Under-18s coach Kieran McKenna can continue to aid his development as he strives towards getting more chances to impress.

“Ultimately, it’s about working hard and listening to his coaches," Scott told us. "He’s got a really good coach in Kieran, who pays really good attention to detail and that’s one of the most important things at that age when you’re learning – you can become such a better player, so that’s one of the main things for him.

“He just needs to be himself and, every game that he plays in, if he comes up with the Under-23s, to try to dominate those games. Hopefully, he can do that and kick on and become a really top class player.”

Gomes is not only a star for his club but for country too, after helping England’s Under-17s to a historic World Cup triumph earlier this year – an achievement which McTominay feels can only help him.

“He’s had a taste of success in the World Cup and obviously that’s the most prestigious award to win in the Under-17 age group," the midfielder added. "He was captain, so he’s very highly thought of both here at Manchester United and with England, and I really hope that Angel can continue that.”