Angel Gomes Reflects on the Challenges of Wearing the Manchester United Jersey

In a candid discussion, Angel Gomes, the former Manchester United prodigy, opened up about the pressures associated with wearing the iconic United shirt and his journey as a professional footballer. Now playing for Marseille, Gomes believes that the weight of the jersey may have played a role in how some players performed, but he doesn't see it as the sole reason for their struggles.

Having joined Manchester United's youth academy at the tender age of six, Gomes was once regarded as one of English football's most promising talents. He made headlines when he debuted for the senior team, coming on as a substitute for Wayne Rooney at just 16 years and 263 days old, making him the youngest player to represent the club since Duncan Edwards in 1953. The expectations surrounding him were immense.

Fast forward to today, and Gomes has charted a different course than many anticipated. After making only five substitute appearances in the Premier League, he left for Lille in the summer of 2020 and has now signed with Champions League contenders, Marseilles 

In an exclusive interview with BBC Sport, Gomes reflected on his time at United, the reasons some players thrive away from Old Trafford, and his thoughts on size and favoritism. He remarked on the deep-rooted culture of the club, where players are immersed in its rich history from the very beginning.

“From the moment you step into the place, the coaches are telling you about the history of the club,” Gomes stated. “The Busby Babes, they show you pictures of George Best and Bobby Charlton. The culture is set early. You know everything about the club and what it represents. It's just something that you carry.”

Gomes reminisced about the unique 'black boot policy' at United's academy, which prohibited colorful footwear. “You would play against other teams wearing vibrant boots that you wished to have, as your idols did,” he explained. “But reflecting on it now, that policy was perfect because they wanted everyone to be uniform.”

He was fortunate to have a strong support network, including his father, who played for Portugal's Under-21s, and his godfather, Nani, a former United star with numerous titles to his name. “Growing up, I always had that support from my family, but when I spoke with Nani and my dad, it felt different because I knew they had experienced it all,” Gomes said.

As he advanced toward first-team football, the pressure began to mount. Training alongside legends like Rooney, Michael Carrick, and Juan Mata was surreal for the young Gomes. “I remember in the academy hearing about those sessions: if Michael Carrick fires a ball at you, can you control it?” he recalled.

The notion of the 'weight of the shirt' is a common topic among players, and Gomes discussed its implications. He pointed to players like Scott McTominay, who struggled at United but found success after moving to Napoli. “Some players may have felt intimidated or were unaware of what the weight of the jersey entails,” Gomes noted. “But ultimately, it often comes down to the environment and timing.”

Leaving Manchester United for Lille was a significant decision for Gomes, one that was not made lightly. “It was a difficult process because there were many factors pulling me towards staying,” he admitted. “But I had to consider what was best for my career.”

With over 100 senior appearances and Champions League experience under his belt, Gomes looks back positively on his decision to venture outside of his comfort zone. “It was challenging to leave England, but also refreshing. The last few years, I’ve enjoyed flying under the radar,” he said.