Portuguese newspaper A Bola today features an interview with Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who was contacted to speak about one specific subject: Angel Gomes.
The two young players grew up together in the Red Devils’s academy, and were separated this summer, as the 20-year-old chose to leave Old Trafford at the end of his contract.
Angel Gomes signed a five-year deal with Lille, but ended up loaned to Portuguese side Boavista. That’s where he’s been standing out this season, with three goals and four assists in only five appearances so far.
Marcus Rashford says he’s following it all, as they keep constant contact, and the Manchester United player is full of advice for his friend.
“It’s a pleasure to talk about him, I think he’s doing very well at Boavista,” Marcus Rashford told A Bola.
“We speak regularly on the phone and I’ve congratulated him several times. It’s a good sign. He scored that incredible midfield goal that went viral. A great goal really! But with his talent nothing surprises me.”
“He has incredible skill! Whoever plays alongside him realises he’s an exciting talent. Having trained with him since a very young age, it’s easy to see his success and to predict his bright future.”
Since Marcus Rashford made his Manchester United debut back in 2016, he could tell Angel Gomes about his experience in the first team, and see his friend getting his first chances to train against the big stars.
“Having him train with us at that time was a great experience and opportunity. I remember that during training he faced us all without fear, always anxious to have the ball.
“There are many things that unite us, we have had similar growth experiences. We lived in the same club houses and were in the same development system, aimed at selected players. We always got along very well. We lived together for about three years. I was able to provide guidance on my first experiences with the first team. This advice is still there, like he’s a younger brother.
“He has everything to reach the top. I always tell him! He’s an attacking midfielder, but personally I see him as someone who advances on the pitch comfortable with the ball. So he can play in other positions with equal success. It’s easy to play with him. It was something very natural, because he’s always looking for a quick pass, which surprises defenders and creates opportunities to score. I can thank him for a lot of goals.”
Marcus Rashford also said he hopes they can play together again in the future: “He’s a great team player and one of the things that I most hope will happen is to play with him again. It’s a wish that I trust will come true.”
