Gomes, Harrop and Mitchell proud after debut

In what was the youngest ever lineup fielded by United in the Premier League (22 yrs 284 days), many would have been forgiven to think the youngsters would struggle.

In a match that featured debutants Josh Harrop, Demi Mitchell, Joel Pereira and Angel Gomes, United ended the season with a comfortable win with the Europa League final only two days away.

And the youngsters were naturally delighted to make their first United appearances in front of the Old Trafford crowd.

Man of the Match Harrop had this to say, “I’ve dreamed about it so many times so, for it to come true today, I’m delighted," he enthused. "Over the moon! “All my family were here, my friends – I’m delighted they could share the moment with me. I’ve trained since I was eight for this moment so, for it to come true today in front of everyone, I’m over the moon, speechless.”

Harrop joined a group of James Wilson and Macheda to have scored on their senior debut

"I walked down the tunnel and was getting goosebumps, thinking ‘I’m actually doing this’," he said. “I said to myself: ‘I want to get on the ball early and get as many touches as I can’. That’s what I did and it helped me progress in the game,” he continued. “I’ve been played through, cut inside, opened it up and put it in. I took the confidence from my last game with the Reserves, when I scored a hat-trick here in front of the manager. That helped me coming into the game as I felt in good form, so it was good for me.”

Harrop played alongside fellow youth player Demi Mitchell, who was outstanding at left-back and was also delighted to make his maiden bow with a win.

"It was a great experience playing at Old Trafford. I was born here and now I’m playing here. It's what dreams are made of.

"I want to thank the manager and also congratulate the other guys. It was a great experience. I never thought all of us would be on the pitch at the same time."

The forward turned defender was up to the test while dealing with in-form Palace winger Wilfred Zaha and termed it a learning experience.

"It was a challenge; at Under-23s level you don’t come up against many players like that, so it was a really good experience," the 20-year-old said.

"I am learning in every Under-23 game and today I have learned a lot. I am still developing and learning that side of my game and I also can add that attacking part of my game too.

"I have had really good coaching from Nicky Butt and also from the Under-18s coach, so it has all been good experience."

"After the game, I kept thinking that this is what it is about, this is what dreams are all about," he admitted. "Hopefully I can play many more games at Old Trafford."

Former boss Busby would never judge players based on their age

There was also a full debut for midfielder Scott McTominay and goalkeeper Joel Pereira with another youth stopper Kieran O'hara on the bench as cover.

The one that stole the headlines though was one Angel Gomes who became the youngest ever player to play for United since the great Duncan Edwards at only 16 yrs.

It's hard to imagine he was born in 2000, and coming on for Rooney with 4 minutes to go, it was a dream moment for the starlet who incidentally replaced the captain who himself famously burst onto the scene at 16 yrs too.

"Obviously, it's a dream come true, I've been here since the age of six, working my way up and it's what everyone dreams about.

"I just want to thank the manager for putting me on the bench and playing me today, and all the staff back at the club and everyone who has helped me. I'm from Manchester, Salford and it's literally down the road. It's just unbelievable."

With the youngster's entire family watching from the stands and senior players guiding him once he came, it's not surprising that he made more passes (9) in the oppositions half than Wayne Rooney (7) managed in 88 minutes.

"It happened so quickly really, from Thursday [getting the Jimmy Murphy Youth-Team Player of the Year award] to Sunday, training on Friday and making an impression in Saturday's training before being named on the bench today and coming on.

Gomes became the only player born after 2000 to play in the Premier League

"My family were in the crowd, I was fortunate to get 10 tickets for all my family and I saw them in the corner when I was warming up and gave them a little thumbs-up. It was amazing.

"It was a dream coming on and it's happened so quickly. I don't know what the future plans are for next season but I just want to continue playing, whether it's in the Under-18s or Under-23s, I just want to stay with the good habits and carry on pushing really. Who knows, I'm not sure what the plans are for next season."