Manchester United made it four wins from four in preseason after they defeated Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 yesterday. Angel Gomes scored the winner in Shanghai but is the youngster ready for first-team action now?
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men are in top form. However, you’re never quite sure how that form will translate come the first proper match of the season when it really counts. Especially considering how United need to be on it from the first kick this year, coming up against Chelsea on the opening weekend.
Nine goals scored and only one conceded after the victory in Shanghai, irrespective of the opponents, that is still a tremendous start to Solskjaer’s first full season as permanent boss.
Against Spurs it felt like the team’s first real test. Yes, they had already come up against a challenging Inter Milan side a few days ago but Spurs’ are UEFA Champions League runners-up. Albeit they didn’t have their full strength XI on the pitch together at any one time, there was enough talent to trouble United if they were able.
It feels as though his time in the senior squad has been on the cards for some time, however, he is still only 18 making his debut when he was 16 in 2017.
The short answer to the debate, at the moment, is yes. Not only considering Gomes’ own form but also the fact United haven’t dipped into the market for another attacker improves his chances of lining up come August 11th.
Yesterday’s performance was important to him. Both for his confidence and for chances of being a regular this season. Both Mason Greenwood and Tahith Chong had already stamped their trademark on this year’s tour and Gomes would have felt it was his turn.
The reason I pose the question is that there could become a situation whereby Gomes is needed week in, week out. If Ed Woodward doesn’t bring anyone else into the football club to play in the attacking third of the pitch and Anthony Martial or Marcus Rashford suffer a long-term injury in the opening weeks, will Gomes be capable to step up?
He has impressed on tour so far, but the intensity of the Premier League seems a different matter altogether. If United are to achieve their objectives, which in every season, is to win trophies, is Gomes currently strong enough to make one of those forward positions his own?
One thing for sure is that if he does have to make the step up at a quicker rate than he would normally, it will provide some great experiences he can use later down the line. The Englishman will be forced to learn so quickly and take everything around him in his stride.
Gomes has all the natural ingredients to succeed. His touch, calmness in key areas and ability to keep such tight control of the ball at all times will stand him in good stead. Take Juan Mata, a player with little pace but someone who has managed to prolong his career in his favoured positions because of his smart footballing brain and mega-tight control.
Otherwise, Solskjaer, as he will with most of the youngsters in the squad, will drip feed Gomes his game time. Something which seems more sensible given his experience at the highest level.