3 Manchester United players who can be Juan Mata's long-term replacement

#2 Angel Gomes

Gomes in action for United's under-23 side against Tottenham in Premier League 2

Certainly one for the future, 18-year-old attacking midfielder Angel Gomes is a player that will be hoping to earn his full United breakthrough sooner rather than later. After all, a few of his teammates at youth level with England have already tasted more competitive football than him - and are consequently reaping the rewards.

Dortmund's Jadon Sancho is a prime example being only five months older than Gomes, he took a calculated risk in rejecting Manchester City's contract extension offer and left for Germany last summer. Since then, he has made 15 senior appearances, scoring once and creating six more assists (all comps).

It's easy to forget that Gomes became the first millennial to play in the Premier League, replacing Wayne Rooney on the final day of the 2016/17 campaign. He was warmly received at Old Trafford and the appearance a justified reward for his efforts at youth level but like Jesse Lingard (now 25), he might need some patience in waiting for an opportunity centre-stage.

Gomes (right, no.47) made his Premier League debut against Crystal Palace in 2016/17

Manchester City's Phil Foden, Wolves midfielder Morgan Gibbs-White and Chelsea winger Callum Hudson-Odoi are all in a similar situation - Gomes needs to emulate their recent success and earn more senior minutes himself. He has scored three and created another in four Premier League 2 matches thus far this term, it's evident that he's good enough for a more competitive challenge.