Angel Gomes appears to have new Man Utd squad number - here's what it might mean

Angel Gomes appears to have been handed a new shirt number at Manchester United - and it could hint at a new role for the player at Old Trafford.

Gomes, 18, has come through the ranks at Manchester United and made his debut for the club two seasons ago in an FA Cup victory over Yeovil Town.

Since then opportunities have been few and far between for the wonderkid, who represented the Red Devils just twice in the Premier League last season, against Huddersfield on Boxing Day and against Cardiff City on the final day of the campaign.

Reports later emerged that United boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer isn't convinced Gomes is physical enough for the Premier League, and there was the suggestion the winger could leave, with Paris Saint-Germain among the clubs ready to hand him a contract.

But Gomes' return to Manchester United's pre-season training camp on Monday hinted that this campaign could be a big one for the 18-year-old.

The youngster was one of several academy players at Carrington looking to impress the boss and earn a place in the squad for the pre-season tour of Australia and Asia.

Pictures of Gomes revealed the number 28 on his training kit - a much lower number than the 47 he wore on the back of his shirt last season.

Of course, Gomes may well be wearing the wrong number in training, as Manchester United have not officially announced the change. But it is worth noting that every other Red Devils player wore their correct number on their training kit.

On the face of things the change doesn't necessarily mean much, but Gomes' squad number is now much closer to one worn by a first team player.

This may suggest that Solskjaer sees the youngster as more of a first team squad player going into the new season, and wanted this reflected in 'traditional football terms'.

Another words, Gomes could be in contention for a place in the starting XI more regularly this campaign than last season.