![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/Angel-Gomes-was-destined-to-succeed-at-Man-Utd-5005299.jpg?r=1696975254138\")
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Fast forward to May 2017, Gomes received the prestigious Jimmy Murphy Youth Team Player of the Year award. The next day, he joined Jose Mourinho’s first-team squad in training.<\/p>\n
Shortly after, Gomes replaced Wayne Rooney in the 88th minute of United’s 2-0 win against Crystal Palace at Old Trafford aged 16 years and 263 days. He became the club’s youngest player since Duncan Edwards in doing so.<\/p>\n
Gomes was destined to become a United great, but a lack of senior opportunities under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer prompted an emotional exit in 2020.<\/p>\n
After 14 years with the Red Devils, the talented midfielder decided against signing a new contract, joining Lille on a free transfer.<\/p>\n
Gomes, now 23, has since explained his emotional departure, admitting his despair at leaving his boyhood club after showing so much promise.<\/p>\n
“When people ask me how difficult it was to leave, I try to explain. But I still don’t think they really understand. I was literally in bits,” Gomes told SPORTBible.<\/p>\n
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“As I was saying goodbye to the team, everything was fine. Obviously, I was a little emotional, but as I was leaving the training ground, I ended up seeing James Garner and Teden Mengi \u2014 two teammates that I grew up playing with.<\/p>\n
“It was horrible, to be honest. I teared up, and my voice went. I got in my car and said goodbye to the security guards with tears streaming down my face. I just couldn’t control myself.”<\/p>\n
Gomes is just one year older than a similarly exciting player to spring from United’s youth ranks, Mason Greenwood, and according to The Athletic he acted as a brotherly figure to his teammate during their respective rises.<\/p>\n
Greenwood is also no longer playing at Old Trafford, spending this season on loan at Getafe with little possibility of continuing his United career upon his return.<\/p>\n
But for Gomes, returning to his boyhood club could help Ten Hag take a significant step towards boasting a midfield that would draw comparisons with his well-oiled machines at Ajax.<\/p>\n
The England U21 international, earning 18 caps and knocking on the door of Gareth Southgate’s senior side, has realised his potential in France.<\/p>\n
DON’T MISS <\/strong> After spending the 2020\/21 season on loan at Portuguese side Boavista, Gomes has since established himself as a regular starter at Lille.<\/p>\n He has made 80 appearances over the last two seasons – and the start of the current campaign – thriving as a defensive midfielder despite his 5ft 6in frame.<\/p>\n Gomes possesses on-the-ball traits that would make him a fine acquisition to Ten Hag’s midfield. He has showcased agility and calmness in possession that would counter doubts over whether he could meet the Premier League’s physical demands.<\/p>\n Having a destroyer in the form of Amrabat or a younger alternative alongside him could be a recipe for success with a relentless creator like Mount or Fernandes ahead.<\/p>\n Gomes would likely be interested in joining Ten Hag’s project if he is primed for a prominent role, given the heartbreaking nature of his departure three years ago.<\/p>\n It’s an avenue undoubtedly worth exploring next summer if Gomes, out of contract at Lille in 2025, continues his upward trajectory.<\/p>\n
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Erik ten Hag discovers ‘likely Man Utd takeover deadline’ ahead of January[TAKEOVER] <\/strong>
Man Utd can sign ‘exciting’ Mitoma who brings two qualities Ten Hag doesn’t have[NEWS] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/67\/590x\/secondary\/Angel-Gomes-is-thriving-at-Lille-5005301.jpg?r=1696975254384\")
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