Manchester United aren’t known for making good decisions in the transfer market. The Red Devils have made several questionable decisions over the years.
Now under the guidance of Sir Jim Ratcliffe following his investment last year, United’s owners have handed control of their sporting operations to the British billionaire.
Things look like they’re changing, especially as Ratcliffe is attempting to stamp out United’s years of overspending, but it will take time.
Unfortunately, even though Ratcliffe is working hard to change opinions, the club could be left red-faced after they allowed one player to leave who looks to be on their way back to the big time.
Angel Gomes in line for West Ham transfer
After failing to become a first-team regular, former Manchester United academy graduate Angel Gomes was allowed to join Lille on a free transfer in 2020.
The 24-year-old didn’t let the disappointment of being let go by United stop him though.
Not only has he become one of Europe’s most in-demand midfielders ahead of his contract expiring at the end of the season, but he has recently established himself as a senior England international.
Gomes’ performances this term have caught the eye of United, who have been linked with re-signing him. However, according to TBR Football, West Ham are frontrunners to bring him back to the Premier League.
Spurs are also credited with having an interest but Graham Potter has been very insistent on the Hammers’ need to sign a player of Gomes’ ability. The Londoners are expected to agree a free transfer with the midfielder in the summer.
Season by numbers
Gomes has been unlucky with injuries this season. Suffering a concussion at the beginning of the campaign before injuring his calf a few weeks later meant the midfielder has missed nine of Lille’s matches.
When he has played, he’s been solid in the middle of the pitch though.
| Angel Gomes Passing in Ligue 1 (2024-25) | Statistic |
| Appearances | 11 |
| Starts | 8 |
| Big chances created | 4 |
| Key passes per game | 1.3 |
| Overall passing accuracy | 82% |
| Own half passing accuracy | 84% |
| Opposition half passing accuracy | 80% |
| Accurate long balls per game | 0.6 |
| Accurate chipped balls per game | 1.6 |
| Accurate crosses per game | 0.5 |
United fans will probably feel divided about the prospect of bringing back a player the club let leave nearly five years ago.
It’s never a good look to go back on your original decision, and with Paul Pogba’s £89 million return from Juventus in 2016 still very much in the mind, supporters will be forgiven for feeling like returning players are cursed.
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