Man United starlet Angel Gomes discusses his debut

Matt Stead

Manchester United teenager Angel Gomes’ dream came true when he became the first player born in the 21st century to make a Premier League debut.

The 16-year-old is the youngest man to represent United in a league game since the late Duncan Edwards after manager Jose Mourinho sent him on as a late substitute for Wayne Rooney in Sunday’s 2-0 final-day victory over Crystal Palace at Old Trafford.

He told MUTV: “Obviously, it’s a dream come true. 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, who last week picked up the club’s Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year Award, joined Edwards, Jeff Whitefoot, Willie Anderson and Norman Whiteside in making his league debut for the club at 16.

He said: “Duncan Edwards was a great player and a United legend. 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 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.”