Angel Gomes: Manchester United send support after ex-player hospitalised with head injury

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Evening Standard

·17 August 2024

Angel Gomes: Manchester United send support after ex-player hospitalised with head injury

Old Trafford academy graduate and former England Under-21 international is undergoing tests after sickening collision

The former England Under-21 international was hurt after a challenge with Reims counterpart Amadou Kone during the early stages of Saturday night’s Ligue 1 fixture at the Stade Auguste Delaune.

Kone was shown a straight red card and Gomes received lengthy treatment on the pitch from medical staff in front of concerned team-mates - who formed a circle around him as fans of both clubs chanted his name - in worrying scenes before being stretchered off as the match was delayed for a total of 34 minutes.

Gomes regained consciousness and was taken straight to a nearby hospital for further treatment and tests, per an official statement issued by Lille.

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Both sets of players held up a shirt after the game with Gomes’ name before Lille president Olivier Letang confirmed that the 23-year-old was “doing well” but undergoing further tests in hospital.

Manchester United tweeted on Saturday night: “Sending love and strength to @AGomes_47, who has been taken to hospital following a collision while playing for Lille. We’re thinking of you, Angel.”

Gomes came through the academy at United, joining at the age of six before eventually departing for Lille when his contract expired in the summer of 2020 and being sent straight on loan to Portuguese top-flight club Boavista.

He made 10 senior appearances in total for the Red Devils after becoming the youngest United first-team player since Duncan Edwards after replacing Wayne Rooney off the bench against Crystal Palace as a 16-year-old in the Premier League in May 2017.

The London-born Gomes represented England from U16 to U21 level, winning the U17 World Cup under Steve Cooper as well as being a key part of Lee Carsley’s U21 side that lifted a first European Championship title for 39 years in Georgia last summer.

After impressing on loan at Boavista, Gomes - who was previously linked with Chelsea - has since racked up more than 100 senior appearances for Lille across all competitions, winning the Trophee des Champions in 2021.