Angel Gomes: From Manchester United to England – the Worthwhile Journey
Angel Gomes, the talented midfielder who rose through the ranks of Manchester United’s youth academy, recently spoke about his journey from leaving the club to receiving his first senior England call-up. Gomes, now playing for Lille in France, believes that the difficulties he faced in leaving Manchester United were worth it, as they have led him to this significant milestone in his career.
Leaving a club like Manchester United, where Gomes had spent most of his youth career and made ten appearances for the first team, was undoubtedly a challenging decision. However, the 24-year-old midfielder felt the need for more senior opportunities and decided to explore other options. He initially joined Boavista in Portugal, where he excelled before making the move to Lille in 2021. Gomes played a crucial role in helping Lille win the Super Cup during the 2020/21 season, further establishing his talent and potential.
Last month, Gomes received his first senior call-up to the England national team from manager Lee Carsley. This call-up was a significant achievement for Gomes, alongside players like Newcastle United’s Tino Livramento and Nottingham Forest’s Morgan Gibbs-White. Gomes was selected to represent England in the Nations League game against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin. Reflecting on his journey, Gomes expressed his satisfaction with the progress he has made and the path he has taken.
“When I left Manchester United, it was to better myself as a player and as a person,” Gomes said. “I knew eventually I would be able to create a pathway to be in the position I am now. It was difficult, leaving the club I had been with since I was six and heading into the unknown. But being in this position now makes everything worth it.”
Gomes’s story is one of determination and resilience. Leaving a familiar environment and taking a leap into the unknown is never easy, but Gomes’s commitment to his personal growth paid off. His success at Lille and his call-up to the England national team demonstrate his talent and the impact of his decision to leave Manchester United.
In addition to his achievements at the club level, Gomes has also represented England at various youth levels, from under-16 to under-21. He won the under-17 World Cup in 2017 and the under-21 European Championship under the guidance of Lee Carsley in 2023. Gomes spoke highly of working with Carsley again, emphasizing the coach’s approachability and willingness to listen to the players’ input.
Carsley’s inclusive leadership style has clearly had a positive impact on Gomes and the other players. When a manager values the opinions and contributions of his players, it creates a sense of ownership and confidence within the team. Gomes believes that this mutual respect between the coach and the players translates into improved performance on the pitch.
Angel Gomes’s journey from Manchester United to Lille and now to the England national team is a testament to his perseverance and determination. Leaving a club like Manchester United was undoubtedly a difficult decision for him, but it ultimately allowed him to grow as a player and seize new opportunities. His recent call-up to the senior England team is a validation of his talent and potential.
Gomes’s story serves as an inspiration to young players who may find themselves facing similar decisions in their careers. It showcases the importance of taking risks, stepping out of one’s comfort zone, and pursuing growth and development. Gomes’s success highlights the rewards that can come from embracing new challenges and believing in oneself.
As Gomes continues to make his mark in the football world, it will be interesting to see how his career unfolds. His journey from Manchester United to England is just the beginning, and there is no doubt that he has the potential to achieve even greater success in the future.