What went wrong for Angel Gomes at Manchester United as Lille star named 'most intelligent player'

Since leaving Old Trafford four years ago after struggling to establish himself as a key player at Manchester United, Angel Gomes has enjoyed a tremendous rich vein of form in the French top flight.

The 23-year-old midfielder, who sees his contract at the Stade Pierre-Mauroy expire in 2025, has featured 38 times for Lille this season, scoring two goals and providing eight assists. Operating as a 10, an eight and a six, he's played a crucial role in Paulo Fonseca's side as Les Dogues hope to clinch Champions League qualification.

Not only has Gomes been central to Lille's domestic campaign, but he's also led the club to the Europa Conference League quarterfinals. If the former Manchester United ace can help claw back a 2-1 deficit against Aston Villa on Thursday night, then he'll be able to test himself against either Olympiacos or Fenerbahce in the next round.

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Gomes' impressive performances have certainly caught the eye this season, and, with his deal set to expire next year, he's been backed to take the next step in his career. Speaking to the BBC this month, Fonseca suggested the England Under-21 international could be the 'most intelligent player' in his team.

"Angel is maybe the most intelligent player I have in my team," said the Lille boss. "He understands faster than the others everything about the game; he loves the game. He loves to learn, and he is a player with big skills, big technique.

"He is a player who, under pressure, finds it is not easy to steal the ball off him and who discovers the space so easily. He is young, he has a big talent. I