A former Manchester United player has said that the “technical” aspect of his playing style is akin to what Paul Scholes offered in the role at Old Trafford.
Paul Scholes is considered one of the best midfielders of all time and the Manchester United legend had a sensational playing career at the Premier League club.
The 50-year-old former England midfielder came through the United youth academy in the 1990s and established himself under Red Devils legend Sir Alex Ferguson.
Scholes was a mainstay for United – across his two separate spells – and the ex-Red Devils star became a linchpin midfield influence for his former side.
The England international, who was one of United’s famed ‘Class of ‘92’ breakout stars, enjoyed incredible success under former United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Following his rise in the United first team in the 1990s, Scholes lifted 11 Premier League titles, two Champions Leagues, three FA Cups and two League Cups.
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Paul Scholes on punditry for TNT Sports for the UEFA Europa League 2024/25 quarter-final second-leg football match between Manchester United and Olympique Lyonnais (Lyon) at Old Trafford on April 17, 2025 in Manchester, England.
Photo by Jean Catuffe/Getty Images
Former Man Utd talent Angel Gomes explains how he reinvented himself as a player after his Old Trafford exit
Angel Gomes, much like Paul Scholes, started his career in the Manchester United youth academy before he climbed into the Red Devils’ first-team squad.
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However, the 24-year-old managed only 10 appearances for the Red Devils’ senior team before he left Old Trafford in 2020 after his contract expired.
Angel Gomes signed on a free transfer for Lille and was immediately loaned out to Portuguese outfit Boavista to secure important first-team experience.
The former United talent later underwent a change in his playing style at Lille under Paulo Fonseca and was shifted away from his attacking midfielder role.
"I think players might have been intimidated by the club."
Angel Gomes believes some players are weighed down by the Man Utd shirt 🗣 pic.twitter.com/h22sE2Olrw
— BBC Sport (@BBCSport) June 16, 2025
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Gomes has found success after his position change to a central midfielder and the soon-to-be former Lille star has explained how he has dealt with the change.
“It’s difficult because I feel like it’s something I have had to explain since I was young – I have had to rely on different strengths,” he told BBC Sport.
“When someone asks me, I say I’m a midfielder, because I can play as a six, eight or 10.
“When I was in Portugal, I played on the left, false nine or on the right. I feel I can play anywhere on the pitch.”
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What Angel Gomes said about Man Utd legend Paul Scholes is a real eye-opener amid his midfield resurgence at Lille
Angel Gomes is only 5ft 6in – the same height as Scholes – and the former United player has had to adapt to the demands of playing as a central midfielder.
However, the Lille midfielder has found success in the role and he earned his first call-up to the England national team in 2024 under former interim boss Lee Carsley.
Gomes has now explained how he has adjusted his playing style in midfield and how United legend Scholes was “similar” in one key role from the position.
“I’m technical, I like to be on the ball, dictate, help in all areas of the pitch, receive the ball in any area,” he said.
“Paul Scholes was similar in that sense. Thiago [Alcantara], Deco, they are midfielders, not sixes or eights, just midfielders – that’s who I want to emulate.”
Gomes’ contract with Lille will expire on 30th June and the ex-United academy product is expected to complete a free transfer to Ligue 1 outfit Marseille.