Image from the Metro |
Key Details:
Name: Angel Gomes
Date of Birth (Age): 31st of August 2000 (20)
Signed: 13th December 2017
Appearances: 5
Appearances this season: 2
Goals: 0
Assists: 0
Passes: 15
Through Balls: 1
Accurate Long Balls: 2
Contract Expiry: Released by United on 30th of June, 2020, Signed by Lile of the French League to a 5 year contract, Loaned to Boavista of the Portuguese league for 2020/21.
Analysis:
There was a lot of hope and fanfare for Angel Gomes, a man who started at the Manchester United youth academy and worked his way into first team football at age 16. There was optimism as well when his squad number was lowered from no. 47 to 28, a sign that many believed as a hint at more first team chances for the youngster. However, by midseason, after having made just 5 appearances and with his contract set to expire at the end of the 2020 season, the youngster rejected United’s contract offer and became a free agent. Lille swooped in and signed Gomes to a new five-year pact on 4th of August 2020 and loaned him to Boavista of the Portuguese topflight. During the Premier League season, Gomes was used sparingly by United, and came on as an 80th minute substitute against Norwich in a 4-0 win and making the bench just 5 times in Premier League matches. His best opportunity came in a 1-3 loss against Manchester City, subbing on in the 64th minute, but was unable to make much of an impact.
Overall Season Rating: N/A
Ambitions for Next Season:
Manchester United had interest in bringing the 20-year old back to Old Trafford as a reserve option for 2020-2021. However, Gomes, perhaps seeing the type of attacking midfield talent brought into the Reds’ side like Bruno Fernandes, as well as the options already here like Mason Greenwood, decided his best football opportunities were elsewhere. Obviously, this makes Gomes not part of any near future plans at United, and hopefully, Gomes can take his opportunities in Portugal and work his way into a good Lille squad in the future.