Manchester United transfer news: Angel Gomes signs first professional contract at Old Trafford

Manchester United have confirmed their teenage sensation Angel Gomes has committed his future at Old Trafford after signing his first-ever professional contract with the club.

The 17-year-old has been with the 20-time champions of England from the young age of six. He has come through the ranks of the club's youth system and has been dubbed to be one of the stars for the future.

Gomes' rise was such that even first-team manager Jose Mourinho took note. The teenager was even handed a first-team debut by the former Real Madrid and Chelsea manager at the end of the last season.

A statement on United's official website read, "Manchester United is delighted to announce that Angel Gomes has signed his first professional contract with the club."

He was also part of England's Under-17 squad that defeated Spain in the final to win the 2017 Fifa World Cup in India. United have the tradition of giving opportunities to the academy graduates in the first team.

The attacking midfielder stressed that United's history of promoting players from their youth system to the first-team was a major factor behind his decision to sign his first professional contract at Old Trafford.

"Manchester United has always been a big part of my life. I have been with the club since the age of six and it was a proud moment for me when I made my first team debut," Gomes told the club's official website.

"This club is renowned for giving homegrown players opportunities to progress into the first team and that was a major factor in me signing my first professional contract at this great club. I am still young but am looking forward to continuing my development with the help of the coaching staff and I will take every opportunity that comes my way."

Gomes' father Gil Gomes revealed in October that "all the greats of Europe" are following his son's progress. This included La Liga leaders Barcelona, while Bundesliga outfit Borussia Dortmund also registered their interest in securing the attacker's services.

He snubbed advances from top European clubs in order to pursue his dream of continuing at Old Trafford. He became the youngest player to represent the 20-time English champions since 1953 when he came on as a substitute in United's final league fixture of the 2016/17 season.

It was Mourinho, who gave the starlet that opportunity. The Red Devils' coach is that Gomes has committed his future to the club.

"I am delighted that Angel has signed his first professional contract with the club," United manager explained.

"I gave him his first-team debut at the end of last season which made him not only the youngest Manchester United player to play in the Premier League era but also the youngest player to represent Manchester United since Duncan Edwards in 1953."