Former Man United youngster questions 'weight of the shirt' theory for players thriving elsewhere
Several players who have struggled at Manchester United have prospered elsewhere.
Scottish midfielder Scott McTominay did not make a significant impact at United but played a pivotal role in Napoli’s Serie A triumph last season. He won the Division’s Most Valuable Player award.
Forward Antony has struggled since arriving from Ajax in the summer of 2022. However, he thrived on loan at Real Betis in the second half of last season, and the Spanish side are now exploring another loan deal for him.
It is widely believed that players struggle at United due to the ‘weight’ of the club’s shirt, but often succeed elsewhere once that pressure is lifted.
However, former Man United youngster Angel Gomes has questioned the ‘weight of the shirt’ notion as the defining factor for players struggling at United.
He told the BBC: “I think some do. Players may have been intimidated or not really know about the weight, what it carries, and what it takes.
“But ultimately, sometimes, it’s down to environment, timing, and having the right things in place to help you.
“Some players who have left and gone on to do better than when they were at United, there might be things in place at that certain club, at that moment in time, that helped them succeed.
“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.”
Gomes joined United at the age of six and played alongside Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, Scott McTominay, and Brandon Williams in the club’s academy.
He played with legends Wayne Rooney and Michael Carrick but was unable to emulate their success for the club.
The midfielder made just 10 appearances for United and is another player who has found success elsewhere.
He got his first call-up to England senior squad last year during Lee Carsley’s stint as the team’s interim manager. He has made four appearances for the Three Lions.
The 24-year-old has agreed to join Marseille as a free agent from Lille. He will now reunite with Greenwood, with whom he played at United.
Stats from transfermarkt.com
Article written by Henry Thornton .