Manchester United chief offers huge praise to Angel Gomes after England breakthrough amid return links

One Manchester United chief has offered huge praise to former Academy starlet Angel Gomes after his breakthrough into the England national team.

Angel Gomes departed Manchester United at the end of his contract in the summer of 2020 to join French club Lille on a free transfer.

The midfield talent made his debut at just 16 years of age in 2017 and was rated as one of the most exciting talents in the club’s Academy setup.

His form at Lille and with the England youth teams earned him a call-up to the Three Lions first-team this season under interim manager Lee Carsley. He impressed in his opening performances last month and was called up again for October fixtures.

He unlocked the defence to assist Jack Grealish for the opener against Finland while providing a classy midfield display. The 24-year-old is making a strong case to stay in the squad in the long-term.

In the meantime, Gomes has been linked to a return to Old Trafford next summer, with his current deal at Lille running out in June 2025. The player has left the door open for a second-stint with the Reds.

Nick Cox offers praise to Angel Gomes

United’s head of academy Nick Cox has wrote about former midfielder Gomes in his latest column on the club’s website.

While the focus is often on the success stories of those who make it at Old Trafford, those in the building at Carrington are just as proud of those who pave their way in the professional game elsewhere.

Gomes’ brave decision to leave his boyhood club and play abroad in France and Portugal is commendable and his England call-up was more than deserved.

Cox has explained how those in the Academy setup at United were proud to see Gomes make his debut for England last month and that they never stop following the progress of those who came through at Old Trafford.

“It was great to see that Angel Gomes called up to the England senior squad for the September break; four years after he left United,” wrote Cox.

“Angel was a prominent figure in last summer’s England U21 squad which went on to win the European Championships and his performances at senior level drew much praise.

“You’ll not be surprised to hear that there were some proud figures in the building the next morning.

“Our Academy players might leave and go on to join other clubs or pursue other things in life. We will never stop following their progress and drawing pride from their achievements.

“I didn’t work closely with Angel myself, but many of my staff did, so well done to them and congratulations to Angel, as well. Every player who reaches that milestone has put in a lifetime’s work to do so.”

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