The prospect of an all-academy Manchester United midfield is a dream for many avid Reds, and, in Kobbie Mainoo, supporters already idolise a generational talent who can lead his side for a decade or more.
Regardless of location, if you enjoy football, you will understand the bond of entrusting youth in the North West.
The history of the 20-time English champions is cultivated with glamourous stories of rags to riches and young-to-old, with a whos-who list of memorable names.
That said, many gifted players have departed United to fulfil their talent elsewhere, with a sense of frustration regarding several high-profile names throughout the years.
One such character is Angel Gomes, a sensationally gifted footballer who joined United at the tender age of six.
Following 14 years of growth from the famous underage ranks to the first team, many winced at the confirmation of his departure in August 2020.
Fast-forward to this afternoon, the 24-year-old has enjoyed 151 appearances across Portugal and France and represented England on two occasions.
With his star growing and his contract expiring at the end of the season, the midfield talent has been tipped with a return to Manchester, although he has also attracted interest from Pep Guardiola and Arne Slot.
“He could play for City tomorrow”
Given the upheaval of many bodies around Old Trafford in recent years, you would be forgiven for forgetting his path to the first team.
Cast your mind back to 2017, and the Edmonton-born starlet became United’s youngest Premier League player at just 16.
He went on to sign his first professional deal in December, with many tipping him for the grandest of careers.
However, first-team opportunities were scarce, and despite intense contractual negotiations, Gomes departed the club in June 2020.
But his love for his boyhood club has never diminished, and he was quick to reiterate this during an interview with L’Equipe in 2022.
“Do I imagine myself coming back one day? Obviously, it’s home,” he said.
“I would love to come back. But you never know in football.
“I just have to keep my feet on the ground and keep playing – making the most of it. I can’t predict what will happen in the future.”
Intense speculation following his international birth has led to multiple reports of a Premier League return.
Sources close to the Theatre of Red have confirmed the player is of interest to Erik ten Hag, with Dan Ashworth keen to lure him home.
Former midfield general Nicky Butt is a huge admirer of the Lille playmaker and believes he could walk into any team he desires.
“I think he can do better than some of the teams that will be in for him in the Premier League,” Butt told the PA news agency via MEN.
“The Spanish league is written all over for Angel. He could play in the Premier League easily. He could play for City tomorrow.”
“When Angel left United, I said to him, ‘You’re going to go on and have an unbelievable career, and I wouldn’t be surprised if you end up playing against Manchester United for Barcelona or Real Madrid in the next five, six, seven years, because he was that good.”
Would you relish a midfield pairing of Mainoo and Gomes at Manchester United?
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