Andy Cole admits he was ‘disappointed’ by Manchester United’s decision to let go of new England star Angel Gomes.
Gomes started training with United’s youth teams at the age of six and spent the next decade in the Old Trafford academy, making his debut for the U18 side at the age of 14.
He was named the academy player of the year in 2017, becoming the youngest recipient of the award in the club’s history.
Gomes replaced Manchester United and England legend Wayne Rooney when he made his first-team debut in May 2017 but found first-team minutes hard to come by under ex-manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer.
United tried to keep Gomes at the club but failed to tie the midfielder down to a contract extension and he left in the summer of 2020 to join French side Lille.
Over the past three seasons, Gomes has made more than 100 appearances for Lille, becoming one of their most important players and recently earned a call-up to the England squad.
Gomes made his international debut under ex-England interim manager Lee Carsley and will hope to feature for Thomas Tuchel’s Three Lions ahead of the 2026 World Cup.
His form for club and country has led many pundits to criticise Manchester United’s decision to let Gomes leave and Old Trafford legend Cole has also bemoaned his departure.
‘Being very honest, I was disappointed to see Angel Gomes leave in the first place,’ the legendary striker told Betfred.
‘He’s a very talented young man and you’re always going to have that type of nonsense where people say that he was too small for the Premier League and all that.
‘But he’s moved to France, made a very good career for himself and represented England quite a few times, so fair play to him.’
Asked whether he could see Gomes returning to Manchester United, Cole added: ‘If that move was to happen, I have no doubts that he’d make United a better team.’
Cole also discussed the prospects of struggling United forward Joshua Zirzkee, who went 17 games without a goal before scoring twice in the recent win over Everton.
During his barren run, United summer signing Zirkzee has even been linked with a return to Serie A in the form of Juventus.
‘In football, you never know do you? He’s had a difficult time since coming to Manchester United,’ Cole said.
‘He arrived at the club with everybody expecting him to score goals, but scoring goals is never easy.
‘He needs a bit of time to get used to the Premier League and he got himself a brace against Everton on Sunday, which is going to do his confidence some good.
‘But regarding incomings and outgoings, the manager is the person that’s going to decide that.’
Following a promising 4-0 win over Everton at the weekend, Ruben Amorim’s Manchester United were brought back down to earth on Wednesday night, losing 2-0 to Arsenal at the Emirates Stadium.
United, currently sitting 11th in the Premier League, face Nottingham Forest this weekend.
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