Angel Gomes shows true Manchester United colours with honest transfer claim

Former Manchester United academy starlet Angel Gomes admits he will always have a sentimental soft spot for the club amid tentative speculation linking him with a return to Old Trafford.

The 24-year-old, who has rose to prominence following a hugely-impressive spell in Ligue 1, could be a free agent next summer and is thought to be on the radar of a number of high-profile European clubs. United are claimed to be among those clubs reportedly keen on signing him next summer and the Old Trafford academy graduate says it would always be hard to say no to a return to Manchester.

"I do sometimes think about where I would be now [if I'd stayed at United]," Gomes told The Times.

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"It's normal to feel like that, but the jump and trajectory that I took, the places that I've been, what I've learnt from the different coaches along the way, the detail, effort and love they have put into my game, I don't think I would be where I am now [a full England international] without it.

"As amazing as it would be, after finding happiness abroad I know [playing in the Premier League] is not the be-all and end-all. There'll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it'd be difficult to say no."

Gomes made his debut for United in 2018 - replacing Wayne Rooney in a 2-0 win over Crystal Palace. At 16 years, 263 days old, he became the youngest player to represent United since Duncan Edwards in 1953, and the versatile midfielder played a key part in England U21s European Championship triumph under Lee Carsley in 2023, a standout performer for the Three Lions in that tournament.

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