The international break is not an event that most football fans look forward to, but it has the capability of providing some joy and excitement at times. In the most recent round of international games, all focus was on the England national team, who entered a new era with the departure of long-time manager Gareth Southgate. The arrival of a new era was evident from the team selection of interim coach, Lee Carsley, who gave the nod to a number of new and exciting players in the England squad, raising many eyebrows.
Prime among the new inductees in the Three Lions squad was former Manchester United Academy product and current Lille star, Angel Gomes, who earned his first England cap against Ireland and then his first start in the very next game against Finland on Tuesday evening. Putting in a strong display in the engine room, Gomes impressed fans and pundits, particularly the Manchester United faithful. No sooner was the game over than a clamor arose on social media for the 24-year-old midfielder to return back to his roots to don the famous red stripes of United.
Such was his impact in the midfield that legendary ex-players-turned-pundits effused over the diminutive midfielder’s display, with the likes of Roy Keane, Ian Wright and Stuart Pearce all praising his touch and constant availability to receive possession. Hence, it was no wonder, that rumours arose of Angel Gomes going back to Man United, four years after leaving on a free contract, swapping the rainy Manchester for the iconic French city of Lille. The fact that Angel’s contract expires at the end of the season has only added fuel to the fire, with many speculating that it is a deal that would make sense for both parties.
A long journey from Manchester United to Lille
The 24-year-old spent almost 14 years at Manchester United, coming through the ranks of the youth setup and managed to impress coaches in the midfield, despite his small frame. His hard work and ability on the ball made up for his stature, and he was earmarked as a future star when he made his Manchester United senior debut in 2017 aged just 16, coming on for Wayne Rooney and becoming the youngest player to represent the Red Devils since the great Duncan Edwards in 1953.
Despite this, Gomes went on to leave United three years later after finding first-team opportunities hard to come by, and has since blossomed into a brilliant midfielder, with the ability to dictate play from a deeper position.
Could Angel Gomes Return to Man United?
While Man United fans are optimistic about the Englishman returning to the M16, Angel Gomes himself has admitted the possibility of a return, saying that he has kept the door open for a reunion with his boyhood club. In an interview with French news outlet L’Equipe last year, the midfielder was quizzed about the decision to leave United and about a potential return.
Admitting it was a difficult decision, he said, “In my heart, I wanted to leave, in my head, I was thinking of staying. But I had to follow my heart. I felt that I needed to take another step in my career. Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home. I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”
Since the interview, Gomes has turned heads with his performances, which led to his England call-up this month, and with his contract up next summer, the Old Trafford adherents are hoping to see the young star take the hallowed turf in Manchester once again. The new ownership has set out to build a team with a backbone of young stars while also not being pressured into overpaying, and a free transfer for Angel Gomes seems like a deal right up their alley. The Red Devils are in desperate need of a creative midfielder who can replace the ageing Christian Eriksen, and provide Bruno Fernandes with support he desperately requires.
The next few months will be crucial for Manchester United as well as Angel Gomes, with clubs free to negotiate with the player in January, if he does not sign a new contract till then. This story is still new, but definitely one to keep an eye on.
