Image Credits: Getty Images
Since moving from Manchester United to LOSC Lille in 2020, Angel Gomes has become a hot prospect for teams across Europe.
The attacking midfielder departed Old Trafford on a free transfer after only ten games for United, however, has since become a key member of the Lille starting line-up.
The 24-year-old has had a great run so far with a goal and assist in nine games, however, has missed out on some matches and minutes due to a head injury sustained in the opening game of the season against Stade Reims.
However, since recovering, he’s back to playing the full 90 minutes, helping the Ligue 1 side to fifth place in the league, only a point behind third and fourth place Marseille and Stade Reims.
Not only has the star been wowing in the French league and Champions League, but now he’s also received his first call-up to the England squad under Lee Carsley.
However, with a lot of excitement growing around the star, and his contract coming to an end next summer, there are mixed feelings about a potential return to United.
Nicky Butt advises against a return to United
Former Manchester United midfielder and academy coach Nicky Butt has recently come out to give his opinion on whether the academy graduate should return to his former club.
Speaking recently to the PA news agency via The Express, Butt said: “I think he can do better than some of the teams that will be in for him in the Premier League,”
He continued: “When Angel left United (in 2020), I said to him ‘You’re going to go on and have an unbelievable career and I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up playing against Manchester United for Barcelona or Real Madrid in the next five, six, seven years’, because he was that good. And I’m not just saying that now that he’s made his England debut, I genuinely thought that a long time ago.
“He could play in the Premier League easily. He could play for City tomorrow. But then you put him in at Man United at the minute and he’s got to have the legs to go through the centre of midfield where there’s a massive gap, people run through the Man United midfield like you wouldn’t believe. Then it’s a really difficult game for him.”
Angel Gomes gives his thoughts on returning to Old Trafford
After moving to France, Gomes spoke to the French publication L’Equipe on whether he’d like to return to United one day.
During the interview, Gomes said: “Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home,”
He continued: “I would love to come back. But you never know in football. I just have to keep my feet on the ground, and keep playing, making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”
However, the midfielder has now conducted an interview with The Times with a very different outlook.
Speaking to the publication, Gomes said: “As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad I know [playing in the Premier League] is not the be-all and end-all.”
However, he also added: “There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no.”
Whilst it looks like Gomes is keeping the door open to returning to Old Trafford, his first comments suggest that it’s not high on his priorities for the next steps in his footballing journey.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE CENTRE DEVILS WHATSAPP GROUP CHAT NOW!