Former Man United starlet now flourishing in top league after slow start to career

Image via: David Dixon/Geograph. CC BY-SA 2.0. OTF Logo added.

Angel Gomes is now starting to shine for Lille, after a relatively slow beginning to his professional career.

It wasn’t too long ago when Angel Gomes became the third-youngest player to represent Manchester United Football Club. I can still picture the Englishman taking to the field in place of Wayne Rooney in front of a packed-out Old Trafford.

At the time, Gomes was the most hyped up prospect coming out of the famous Carrington academy. His goals, assists, skills and sheer ability was on full display at U21 level super early on. Sadly, it didn’t translate into first-team minutes here in Manchester.

The chances Gomes would receive were few and far between. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer had ample options in his preferred attacking midfielder position, hence, the player made the bold decision to leave the 20-time Premier League champions.

In 2020, Gomes headed to Lille. As a young man, moving to a new country, playing in a new league and even learning a new language must have been a lot to take on board. The attacking midfielder hasn’t looked back.

An initial loan to Boavista granted Gomes with first-team minutes from day one. He’d return to Lille a year later, becoming a mainstay within their squad in the summer of 2021. Gomes has now made 100 appearances for the French club.

This season is looking set to be his finest so far. Six assists and two goals in 20 Ligue 1 appearances is an impressive return for a man who continues to improve. As a result, he’s attracting interest from elsewhere, with his Lille contract winding down.

It may have taken Gomes some time to fully hit his stride, but his talent and ability have never come into question. All he needed was consistency. United couldn’t give him that. It’s not their fault. Sadly, it just wasn’t the right situation for all parties involved.

Lille took a chance on Gomes. It’s paying dividends. Their fans are being given the opportunity to watch an elite level talent, while the player continues to develop and grow.

Yes, this relationship may not last forever. Heck, it could even come to an abrupt end this summer if Gomes receives some attractive proposals, but let’s wait and see on that front…

More than anything, I’m just delighted to see Gomes do well. Not many players hit the heights they’re expected to when leaving United. Gomes is the exception to that rule and you know what? He’s only going to improve.

Whether or not we’ll see him back at United in any capacity is still unlikely, though I could see a Premier League return taking place, particularly as England is where all the money is these days. That said, in football I guess you just never know…

Do you think Angel Gomes has what it takes to come back to Man United in future? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below.

About Jordan Street 19808 Articles
Mancunian. Red through and through. Season Ticket holder block E332.

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