"He'd make United a better team" – Andy Cole slams Manchester United for parting ways with 24-year-old star

Manchester United great Andy Cole has hit out at his former club for letting go of their youth product Angel Gomes, who has lately emerged as an England international.

Gomes, 24, spent time at his boyhood club between 2006 and 2020 before sealing a Bosman move to Ligue 1 outfit LOSC Lille. He has emerged as a crucial starter for his current team over the last few campaigns and has also earned four international caps since his England debut earlier this September.

During a recent chat with online bookmaker Betfred, Cole was asked to share his thoughts on Gomes' recent rise to fame and his Manchester United exit. He elaborated (h/t Metro):

"Being very honest, I was disappointed to see Angel Gomes leave in the first place. 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."

When asked if Gomes could return to the Red Devils, Cole responded:

"If that move was to happen, I have no doubts that he'd make United a better team."

Gomes, whose current contract will run out next June, has started 100 of his 129 appearances across competitions for Lille so far. The press-resistant midfielder has contributed nine goals and 19 assists for the Ligue 1 side till now.

Andy Cole opines on Manchester United striker

Offering his thoughts on Joshua Zirkzee, Andy Cole remarked (h/t Metro):

"He's had a difficult time since coming to Manchester United. 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."

Zirkzee, 23, joined Manchester United amid much fanfare after relishing a good campaign at Serie A side Bologna last season. He scored 12 goals and provided seven assists in 37 overall games for his former club in the 2023-24 term.

But, the six-cap Netherlands international has failed to hit the ground running at Manchester United so far. The former Bayern Munich ace has registered just three goals and contributed two assists in 20 total matches this season.