Lille star opens up on potential Manchester United return; not set on Premier League switch

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Stretty News

·8 October 2024

Lille star opens up on potential Manchester United return; not set on Premier League switch

Former Manchester United midfielder Angel Gomes has left the door open for a potential return after spending his youth years in the academy.

In an interview with The Times, Gomes expressed that he still holds United close to his heart, which would make it difficult to turn down the opportunity to return one day.

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After experiencing football abroad, in Portugal and France, Gomes recognises that he is not set on returning to the Premier League because he has been happy since moving away from Manchester.

Gomes said: “There will always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course, it’d be difficult to say no. As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad, I know that playing in the Premier League is not the be-all and end-all.”

The 24-year-old has made a name for himself at Lille, becoming a regular in the past two campaigns. He also earned his first England cap under Lee Carsley earlier this season.

Manchester is home for Gomes

Photo by David Rogers/Getty Images

Angel Gomes still has family living in Manchester, and Stretty News understands he wants to return closer to home.

The midfielder has entered the final year of his contract at Lille, meaning he can start discussing possible moves to clubs outside of France from January.

After coming through the academy at United, Gomes made his debut against Crystal Palace in May 2017 as a 16-year-old. He became the youngest player to represent the club since Duncan Edwards in 1953. Gomes remained at United until 2020 but first-team opportunities were limited. He moved to Lille on a free transfer, before immediately joining Boavista in Portugal on a season-long loan.

Gomes began to thrive in Ligue 1 when he returned to Lille.

Now, he is among the best players in Ligue 1.