I think Manchester United need balance in midfield - a transfer return is not the answer
Angel Gomes has been heavily linked recently with a move back to Old Trafford next summer. Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur have emerged as the top contenders to sign the midfielder.
Gomes released a statement on Thursday stating his focus is primarily on recovering from injury which he is getting surgery for soon.
With his contract at Lille running out at the end of the season and excitement for a potential return to Manchester increasing, former United striker Louis Saha has advised his old club against signing him.
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“The solution is like someone who is really a master in that position, providing the link between the defence and the attack,” said Saha when speaking with Slotswise.
The two-time Premier League champion spoke about the problems United have in their midfield, and suggested Paul Pogba is much better suited to be the solution.
“There are not many like Paul Pogba in the world. It’s all about creating a nice balance in midfield and he provides so much.
“I think there needs to be a balance in the midfield and I don’t think Angel Gomes will be the solution. It’s not an easy role to play and I see Angel Gomes as someone that is maybe not that kind of player."
Angel Gomes first started his footballing career rising through the ranks of United’s academy. He started playing with them from as young as six-years-old before going on to make his first senior appearance for United at the age of 16.
He struggled to break into the first team though, only making 10 senior appearances for United. Consequently, he left Manchester in 2020 to play for Lille where he has been since. At Lille, Gomes has been able to flourish as an attacking midfielder. He has made 129 appearances for Les Dogues and scored 9 goals with 19 assists provided.
Despite this, Saha continues to put his faith in experience and proven talent in 31-year-old Pogba over 24-year-old Gomes.
With both out of contract and available to play next summer, both options remain open to Ruben Amorim. He may even remember Gomes from his loan spell in Portugal with Boavista who played Amorim’s Sporting Lisbon side twice during his time there.