Sometimes, leaving home is what it takes to truly shine.
That’s exactly the message former Manchester United academy product Angel Gomes is sending, as he reflects on how the “weight of the shirt” at Old Trafford has held some players back — only for them to thrive elsewhere.
From Prodigy at Six to First-Team Debut at Sixteen
Angel Gomes knows exactly what it means to carry the pressure of wearing that famous red shirt.
He joined Manchester United when he was just six years old and broke records a decade later, becoming the club’s youngest debutant since Duncan Edwards way back in 1953.
But after only 10 senior appearances, Gomes decided to take a different path, moving to Lille in 2020.
Now 24, Gomes has carved out a successful career in Ligue 1 and even earned four England caps under interim boss Lee Carsley last year.
He recently agreed to a new chapter in France — a move to Marseille this summer.
The Pressure of Wearing the Shirt Is Real
In a candid interview with the BBC, Gomes opened up about the intense expectations that come with playing for a club like Manchester United.
He suggested that many players simply aren’t prepared for the spotlight and scrutiny that comes with it.
“I think some players just don’t realise the weight the shirt carries,” Gomes said. “It can be intimidating.
It’s not always about talent — sometimes it’s about timing, the environment, and having the right support in place.”
He added that when players leave United and suddenly thrive, it often comes down to being in the right place at the right time.
“It’s not always black and white — it’s not just that someone failed at United,” he explained.
McTominay and Antony Are Turning Things Around Abroad
Gomes’ reflections are especially timely, as several former Manchester United players are currently thriving in other leagues. Take Scott McTominay, for example.
The Scotland international made headlines after being named Serie A’s most valuable player following a standout season with Napoli.
Since his £27.5 million move, he’s notched 12 goals and six assists and played a crucial role in helping Antonio Conte’s squad secure the league title.
Then there’s Antony — a player who’s often been under fire at United for underwhelming performances since his hefty £82 million transfer from Ajax.
But after moving to Real Betis on loan in January, the Brazilian winger has found his groove again, scoring nine times and racking up five assists in La Liga.
That resurgence even earned him a recall to the Brazilian national team.
Antony Gets Real About Mental Struggles at Old Trafford
Antony didn’t just rediscover his form — he rediscovered his love for football.
In a vulnerable interview last month, he admitted that his time at United left him feeling lost and broken.
“I wasn’t happy. I didn’t feel the desire to play anymore,” Antony shared. “I told my brother I couldn’t take it.
There were days I didn’t eat, I didn’t play with my son, I stayed locked in my room. It was very complicated for me.”
Thankfully, with the support of his family and faith, Antony says he’s found joy again. “I’m happy now, and I’ve found myself,” he said.
United’s Struggles Add More Weight to the Conversation
While some ex-players are flourishing elsewhere, things haven’t been rosy for those left behind at Old Trafford.
Manchester United had a shocker of a season, finishing a dismal 15th under Ruben Amorim — their worst-ever Premier League campaign.
To make matters worse, they lost to Tottenham in last month’s Europa League final, dashing any hopes of Champions League football and ruling them out of European competition altogether for the next season.