LONDON, ENGLAND – SEPTEMBER 10: Angel Gomes of England in action during the UEFA Nations League … [+] 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between England and Finland at Wembley Stadium on September 10, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Nigel French/Sportsphoto/Allstar via Getty Images)
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Angel Gomes was arguably England’s best player as The Three Lions claimed a much-needed win over Finland in the UEFA
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Nations League. After the damaging home defeat to Greece just a few days previously, Gomes have his team control in the centre of the pitch. He also set up Jack Grealish for the opening goal in a 3-1 victory.
One wonders what Erik ten Hag and Manchester United made of the 24-year-old’s performance. Gomes came through the youth system at Old Trafford, but departed United in 2020 in search of regular first team soccer. He landed at Lille where he has since accelerated his development as a rhythm building central midfielder.
The kind of rhythm building central midfielder Manchester United currently lacks. Ten Hag’s team has struggled for form in the early part of the season and the midfield has come under scrutiny. While United has talented players in that area – see Bruno Fernandes, Kobbie Mainoo, Christian Eriksen etc. – it has yet to find the right balance.
PORTO, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 3: Bruno Fernandes of Manchester United, coach Erik ten Hag of Manchester … [+] United during the UEFA Europa League match between FC Porto v Manchester United at the Estadio Do Dragao on October 3, 2024 in Porto Portugal (Photo by Eric Verhoeven/Soccrates/Getty Images)
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Control is something Manchester United needs and Gomes would provide that. He could perform the same role for the Old Trafford side that he has for England since Lee Carsley’s arrival as interim manager. There are surely decision makers at United who have already thought about bringing Gomes back to the club.
As it happens, Gomes will be out of contract at Lille next summer. The 24-year-old has yet to agree a new deal with the Ligue 1 club meaning he will be free to speak to other teams from January. Manchester United should be one of those teams. It should be at the front of the line to sign the England midfielder.
HELSINKI, FINLAND – OCTOBER 13: Trent Alexander-Arnold of England celebrates scoring his team’s … [+] second goal with teammate Angel Gomes during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League B Group B2 match between Finland and England at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on October 13, 2024 in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo by Michael Regan – The FA/The FA via Getty Images)
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Of course, it’s possible Gomes would reject a return to Old Trafford in favour of a move elsewhere. After all, his decision to leave Manchester United as a youngster paid off. It’s unlikely Gomes would have developed in the same way had he stayed. Lille has certainly been positive for his growth as a player.
Nonetheless, Manchester United could correct a past mistake by re-signing Gomes and making him a central pillar of its team. The decision to re-sign Paul Pogba didn’t work out, but the Frenchman was never truly understood in terms of his qualities as a player. Gomes, on the other hand, has already demonstrated his ability for England. That’s the player United needs.
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Publish date : 2024-10-15 02:32:00
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