Over the past couple of years Manchester United have increasingly demonstrated a willingness to give opportunities to young talent.
This is evidenced by Alejandro Garnacho and Kobbie Mainoo establishing themselves as regulars. Erik ten Hag is also challenging more youngsters to step up.
Perhaps, former whizkid Angel Gomes was a victim of bad timing. He became Manchester United’s youngest ever player under Jose Mourinho in 2017.
Gomes left Manchester United in 2020 on a free transfer, with Ole Gunnar Solskjaer unable to offer him the game time to convince him to stay.
Manchester United monitoring Angel Gomes
After a season on loan in Portugal, Angel Gomes’ importance to the Lille side has been growing.
Still only 23-years-old, Gomes has established himself as an excellent young midfielder, versatile with his ability to attack, and to shield the back four.
According to a new report from TBR Football via Graeme Bailey, Manchester United are monitoring Angel Gomes’ progress.
There are other Premier League sides keen on a potential move this summer including Tottenham and West Ham, and it is reported: “Manchester United have also been keeping tabs on Gomes’s progress and sources believe they would consider bringing him back to Old Trafford in the future.”
Gomes was part of England’s under-21 European Championship winning side last year. He has eight assists for Lille this season.
It would make a lot of sense for United to bring Gomes back, he is an exceptional talent, and many United fans would love to see him partnered up with Kobbie Mainoo in central midfield.
Ineos have a strong knowledge of Ligue 1 due to their time at Nice and will be well aware of Gomes’ talent. If they think there is an opportunity there for Gomes, whose contract expires in 2025, United may well explore it.
Why Angel Gomes left Manchester United
Last year Angel Gomes explained why he left Manchester United, and cited the lack of opportunities and a coherent plan.
He told The Athletic: “After the conversations I had with the staff at Lille, it made the most sense for me to go there because I knew I was going to get more of an opportunity; there was something in place.
“At the time, United didn’t give me the gist that was going to be the plan. I felt like I was just there.”
Gomes was recently praised by Lille’s manager as the club’s ‘most intelligent player’, and the next step in his career will be an interesting one.
For a return to Manchester United to work, the club would have to convince him there is a regular role in waiting.