Elanga names forgotten Man Utd star as 'most underrated footballer'

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Ace was brought on to replace United legend in his final game
Ace was brought on to replace United legend in his final game

ANTONY ELANGA believes former Manchester United starlet Angel Gomes is the most underrated player he's ever played with.

Gomes, 23, came through the Red Devils' youth system with Elanga but left for Ligue 1 outfit Lille in 2020.

Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga has named Angel Gomes as the most undervalued player qhidqxiheiqhuprw
Nottingham Forest’s Anthony Elanga has named Angel Gomes as the most undervalued playerCredit: Getty
Former United wonderkid Gomes is now at Lille
Former United wonderkid Gomes is now at LilleCredit: AFP

The England Under-21 midfielder has since blossomed under Paulo Fonseca in France.

Elanga, 21 - who left United last summer after sealing a £15m move to Nottingham Forest - has now delivered the ultimate compliment to his former team-mate.

When asked to name the most underrated player he has ever played with Elanga told Rising Ballers: “One that comes off my head is Angel Gomes. He’s honestly so good.

Man Utd back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka recalled by NewcastleMan Utd back-up goalkeeper Martin Dubravka recalled by Newcastle

“I feel like people watched him in the U21 Euros that England won, he showed his qualities as a No6, eight and 10 – amazing.

"I could name more players, but Angel comes to my head.”

His answer threatened to cause further friction among supporters and United's owners after the Glazers failed to keep him.

One fan wrote: "The amount of talent we have ruined is genuinely scary."

Another said: "Another mistake we made selling him."

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At the time, United reportedly offered a new and improved contract as, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer described him as a "top, top kid”.

In 2020 the Norwegian said: "We've offered him a deal. Hopefully, he'll take that."

But Gomes made the tough decision to pursue a new challenge, because he felt first-team opportunities at Old Trafford would be limited.

He made his United first-team debut in May 2017 under Jose Mourinho, becoming the first person born in the 21st century to play in the Premier League.

Watch jubilant Al Nassr fans chant ‘SIIU’ ahead of Ronaldo free transfer arrivalWatch jubilant Al Nassr fans chant ‘SIIU’ ahead of Ronaldo free transfer arrival

He came on as a substitute for Wayne Rooney, who was playing his last game for the Red Devils. 

He has delivered another impressive campaign for Lille so far this season, scoring twice while also providing seven assists in 35 appearances across all competitions.

James Garner and Gomes have both left the club, while Mason Greenwood is out on loan at Getafe
James Garner and Gomes have both left the club, while Mason Greenwood is out on loan at GetafeCredit: Getty

Katherine Walsh

Manchester United, Manchester, Anthony Elanga, Angel Gomes

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