'Die a happy man' - The 'Little Manc' that should be playing next to Kobbie Mainoo for Man United

There was a scene at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin back in September that set WhatsApp chats between Manchester United academy coaches’ past and present ablaze. It was one of those 'what if' moments that suddenly looked all too real.

77 minutes had been played in England's Nations League win against the Republic of Ireland when Kobbie Mainoo's number came up. The 19-year-old from Stockport departed to be replaced by 24-year-old debutant Angel Gomes, born in London but reared in Salford.

Both of them learnt their trade in the United academy. Here were two talented footballers at the vanguard of England's switch to a more controlling, technical midfield style, and they had been developed and crafted by the same staff at the same club. In amongst all the pride, there was just one sliver of disappointment or frustration. The fact this was happening in the white of the Three Lions, rather than the red of Manchester United.

ALSO READ: I taught Ruben Amorim about coaching - this is why he will be a success at United

ALSO READ: Amorim can improve five Manchester United players after Fernandes comment

Mainoo looks to the manor born in United's midfield, but Gomes didn't get his breakthrough despite breaking records at the club. Instead, he plays his club football for Lille in France's Ligue 1, whom he joined when he left Old Trafford for nothing in 2020.

Having seen his status rocket thanks to his England involvement under Lee Carsley, Gomes could return to the Premier League this summer, with his contract once again expiring. It would be sensible for United to consider the possibility of bringing him back, but they would face serious competition for a player now excelling at the highest level.

A return would certainly be