ANGEL GOMES has refused to rule out a return to Manchester United after claiming it would “be difficult to say no” to the Red Devils.
The twice-capped England star made his first senior United appearance at 16 but left Old Trafford for French side Lille in 2020.
United had reportedly wanted Gomes to stay, but the midfielder left as a free agent in a bid to play regular first-team minutes.
His performances for Lille and England’s U21s impressed enough for Gomes to be called up to Lee Carsley‘s first team in September.
And it has left a sour taste in the mouths of many United fans, who have questioned why the Red Devils let him go in the first place.
But Gomes has admitted it would be hard to rule out a return to Old Trafford, with his current Lille deal expiring next summer.
When quizzed on a possible return, Gomes told The Times: “There’ll always be that sentimental soft spot, so of course it’d be difficult to say no.”
Before adding: “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.”
After coming through United’s academy, he made just 10 senior appearances for the club before leaving under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer in 2020.
He shared a room with Marcus Rashford in United’s youth digs.
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His Lille contract expires in under nine months time, the French side keen to cash in on him in January if suitable offers come their way.
Now with Casemiro and Manuel Ugarte struggling in midfield, United will likely re-enter the market for reinforcements.
Several Prem and European clubs are said to be interested in Gomes and Lille could push for a move in January so they can recoup a fee.
He played in a deep-lying playmaker role in England’s victories over Ireland and Finland in the Nations League last month.
The 24-year-old has been called up again to the upcoming fixtures against Finland and Greece.
Gomes, who has an estimated transfer value of £21million, has played four Ligue 1 games this season and chipped in with one assist.
