United fans may be offered an exciting glimpse of the future.
Any suggestion that Jose Mourinho does not give youth prospects enough opportunities to prove their worth has been crushed at Manchester United. Not only have Marcus Rashford and Scott McTominay been handed plenty of minutes, United fans were given a glimpse of academy graduate Angel Gomes during the FA Cup fourth-round win over Yeovil Town.
And, for the fifth-round, Mourinho looks set to continue with that fan-pleasing policy by including Gomes and Tahith Chong, the exciting 18-year-old who has had tongues wagging at Old Trafford in recent months, in the squad for the trip to Huddersfield. According to reports, both Gomes and Chong could be rewarded for their progress by Mourinho with a place on the bench.
Gomes is just 17 but, despite playing just five minutes in the win at Yeovil, it’s clear to see why he is so highly-rated at the club. AÂ quick, dynamic winger who loves to take on defenders, he seems destined for big things. Chong has also a significant impression through his displays at youth level. The Dutchman’s frizzy mane of hair bears resemblance to Marouane Fellaini but his speed, skill and eye for goal suggest he is poles apart from the Belgian in terms of playing style.
United lost 2-0 on their last trip to the John Smith’s Stadium and Mourinho is determined to avenge that dismal day and progress to the last eight of the FA Cup, edging ever closer to a third trophy since taking charge last summer. Goals from Romelu Lukaku and Alexis Sanchez secured a 2-0 win for United when the sides met in the league at Old Trafford earlier this month.
Mourinho meanwhile has confirmed that Paul Pogba will be involved in Saturday’s clash. The France international has been subjected to criticism following a couple of sub-standard performances in recent weeks. Mourinho, however, blasted reports of a breakdown in his relationship with the midfielder as ‘lies’ while admitting that Pogba’s form has dipped somewhat.
“I think you are nice with your words – because when you say lot of speculation you should say a lot of lies. Don’t be nice, be objective and say lies.
“It’s a big lie that our relation is not good, it’s a big lie that we don’t communicate, a big lie that we don’t agree with his positions and his involvement in the dynamic of the team.
“It’s easy and honest and objective to say Paul didn’t play well against Newcastle but some of the guys they are paid millions, don’t let people read things that are not true.
