Angel Gomes was granted a big international opportunity with England, and he seized the chance.
Manchester United were unfortunate to lose Angel Gomes back in 2020. The promising midfielder did not see a direct path to game time, and despite a desire to keep him, Gomes begrudgingly made the choice to quit.
Gomes’ path since has been a gradual ascent, and perhaps it has worked out for the best. He is now in the England squad, and showed on his first start for the Three Lions that he is a great fit.
The young midfielder started for England against Finland and Gomes made a big contribution in the 2-0 victory.
Angel Gomes stats for England
Angel Gomes started in England’s midfield alongside Declan Rice. He was filling in for Kobbie Mainoo, who was rested, after a positive display against Ireland.
The 24-year-old Lille star helped England to dominate possession, with 78 per cent, and really the team’s 22 shots should have led to more than just the two goals, scored by Harry Kane.
Gomes’ individual numbers were outstanding, speaking for themselves in terms of his impact on the match.
- 130 touches
- 116 passes complete / 94% accuracy
- 1 chance created
- 2/2 tackles won
- 5 recoveries
- 4/7 duels won
Gomes played more passes and had more touches than any other player, and his willingness to get on the ball is a trait England players have lacked at times in big matches.
Manchester United can’t ignore Angel Gomes
Losing Angel Gomes was a big blow, and Manchester United still have a chance to bring the academy graduate back. And we are not talking about a Paul Pogba style transfer fee.
Gomes has only one year remaining on his Lille contract, allowing Manchester United to re-sign him for free next summer, or potentially at a cut-price fee in January.
When you look at United’s squad, it is clear the team lack midfielders, and lack genuine alternatives to Kobbie Mainoo.
Gomes proved to be England’s worthy alternative to Mainoo, and he could be United’s too. They could also be terrific playing alongside each other.
United’s midfield has at times lacked poise and control, and Gomes could have a part in rectifying this.
While the youngster made his name in more of an attacking role in United’s academy, Nicky Butt trialed him in a deeper role too in UEFA Youth League games, and this is where Gomes is now having most success.
If there is a chance to bring back one of the youngest ever players to don the Manchester United shirt, then expect Ineos to explore this.
Ineos have a strong knowledge of Ligue 1 from their time at Nice, and exploited this in the summer with deal for Manuel Ugarte, and Gomes’ former teammate Leny Yoro.
Receive a digest of our best United content each week direct to your mailbox
