Former Man United player Angel Gomes opens up on why players excel after leaving club

Former Manchester United player Angel Gomes has shed light on the pressure associated with wearing the club’s jersey, explaining why some players find success after leaving Old Trafford. In an interview with BBC, Gomes reflected on how the “weight” of representing Manchester United can impact players’ development but also emphasized that other factors play a significant role in their careers beyond the club.

Gomes, who earned his first England caps last year, debuted for United at just 16, making him the youngest player to don the shirt since Duncan Edwards in 1953. Despite the early buzz surrounding his debut, Gomes only made five Premier League appearances off the bench before transferring to Lille in 2020.

In France, he matured into a key figure in midfield, playing over 100 matches for Lille and showcasing his talent as an exciting playmaker. His progress in Ligue 1 has attracted attention, and he is now set to continue his career at Marseille after joining the French giants this summer, despite interest from Premier League clubs.

Gomes explained that some players struggle to handle the pressure of Manchester United’s expectations, but he believes that the environment and timing are crucial in a player’s success.

“Players may have been intimidated or not really know about the weight, what it carries and what it takes,” Angel Gomes said.

He added that certain clubs and the right circumstances at the right time can help stars flourish, suggesting that departure from United isn’t necessarily a failure but sometimes a step toward better opportunities.

The midfielder highlighted the remarkable journeys of former teammates like Scott McTominay and Jadon Sancho, who achieved great heights after leaving Old Trafford. McTominay has become a vital player at Napoli, playing a pivotal role in their Scudetto victory, while Sancho has continued to impress at Chelsea and Borussia Dortmund on loan.

Antony also thrived on loan at Real Betis after struggling to find his footing at United, proving that success isn’t solely dependent on the “weight” of the shirt. Gomes further emphasised that the challenges faced at Manchester United are not the sole reason for players’ struggles or successes elsewhere.

“Sometimes it’s not as black and white as they failed or they’ve not held their own there because of the weight of the shirt,” Angel Gomes mentioned.

His insights underline the importance of environment, support and timing in shaping a player’s career trajectory, regardless of their time at Old Trafford.