Manchester United boss highly praises Angel Gomes after England win amid callbacks

A Manchester United boss has heaped praise on former Academy star Angel Gomes following his England debut.

Angel Gomes left Manchester United at the end of his contract in the summer of 2020 to join French club Lille on a free transfer.

The midfield talent made his debut aged just 16 in 2017 and was rated as one of the most exciting talents in the club’s Academy.

His form at Lille and England’s youth teams has earned him a call-up to the Three Lions’ first-team squad this season under interim manager Lee Carsley. He impressed in his opening performances last month and has been called up again for October’s games.

He unlocked the defense to help Jack Grealish on his debut against Finland, whilst also putting in a classy display in midfield. The 24-year-old player strongly advocates staying with the team for a long time.

Meanwhile, Gomes has been linked with a return to Old Trafford next summer, with his current contract at Lille expiring in June 2025. The player has left the door open for a second spell at the Reds.

Nick Cox praises Angel Gomes

United’s academy boss Nick Cox wrote about former midfielder Gomes in his latest column on the club’s website.

While the focus is often on the success stories of those who make it big at Old Trafford, those who work in the Carrington building are equally proud of those who have paved the way in professional football elsewhere.

Gomes’ courageous decision to leave his boyhood club and play abroad in France and Portugal is commendable and his England call-up was more than deserved.

Cox explained how members of the United Academy were proud to see Gomes make his England debut last month and that they never stop following the progress of those who have come through at Old Trafford.

“It was great to see Angel Gomes called up to the England senior squad for the September break; four years after leaving United,” Cox wrote.

“Angel was a prominent figure in the England under-21 team last summer who won the European Championship and his performances at senior level were highly praised.

“You won’t be surprised to learn that there were some proud figures in the building the next morning.

“Our Academy players can leave and join other clubs or pursue other things in life. We will never stop monitoring your progress and being proud of your achievements.

“I didn’t work closely with Angel, but a lot of my employees did, so congratulations to them and congratulations to Angel as well. Every player who reaches this milestone has dedicated a lifetime of work to do so.”

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