From Red Devils to French Flair: Angel Gomes' Rise After Manchester United Exit
Angel Gomes' career trajectory has taken an unexpected turn since leaving Manchester United in 2019. After struggling to break into the first team at Old Trafford, the young midfielder has blossomed into a key player for French side Lille, earning recognition and a call-up to the England squad.
Gomes, who arrived at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy in 2020, has thrived in Ligue 1. He has impressed with his versatility, operating effectively in various midfield roles, from attacking playmaker to a more defensive-minded position. His contributions have been instrumental in Lille's domestic success, as well as their run to the Europa Conference League quarter-finals last season.
His performances haven't gone unnoticed. Lille manager Paulo Fonseca has praised Gomes' intelligence and his ability to understand the game at a rapid pace. "Angel is maybe the most intelligent player I have in my team," Fonseca said. "He understands faster than the others everything about the game; he loves the game. He loves to learn, and he is a player with big skills, big technique."
Gomes' resurgence raises questions about his time at Manchester United. Despite being hailed as a prodigious talent, his development at Old Trafford was hampered by a combination of factors, most notably a difficult relationship with former manager José Mourinho.
At just 16 years old, Gomes became the youngest player in over six decades to make his debut for the Red Devils, replacing Wayne Rooney against Crystal Palace in 2017. This moment seemed to symbolise the passing of the torch to a new generation. However, a public dressing-down by Mourinho, in front of the entire squad, proved to be a turning point for the young midfielder.
Gomes has spoken about the incident, revealing that Mourinho's criticism left him feeling demoralised. "I've never actually told this story before but one time, he took me to a cup game with the first-team after I'd played with the U21s," he told SPORTbible. "He then looks at me and says: 'I am [swear word] with you.'"
Mourinho's departure in 2018 brought no solace for Gomes, who continued to struggle for consistent playing time. He made only six first-team appearances in the 2019/20 season before deciding to seek a fresh start at Lille.
Since leaving Manchester United, Gomes has embraced his new challenge, proving his doubters wrong. He has become a valuable asset for Lille and has earned international recognition. The Reds have since admitted that losing the midfielder was a mistake, as he continues to showcase the immense potential that first caught their eye.
Gomes' journey is a reminder that sometimes, a change in scenery can be the catalyst for a player to truly flourish. His rise from a struggling youngster at Old Trafford to a key figure in French football is a testament to his resilience and talent. The future for the now 23-year-old midfielder looks bright, and he will be looking to make an even bigger impact on the world stage in the years to come.
