Angel Gomes explains decision to quit Man Utd and Bruno Fernandes's role in move

Angel Gomes has admitted he turned down a "great contract" at Man Utd because he felt he needed a "fresh start".

The 20-year-old departed Old Trafford in the summer at the end of his deal, having been at the club since he was just five.

Gomes was beginning to knock on the door for regular first-team action, making six appearances last season.

But ultimately he decided his career would be better served elsewhere, eventually signing for French Ligue 1 side Lille.

"It’s such a special club but I just wanted to be able to play and express myself," Gomes explained to The Independent over his United exit. "I was offered a great contract, I had all my family and friends around me, but I decided that I was willing to sacrifice that to pursue a different path.

Gomes rejected United's offer to seek out regular playing time (Getty Images)

"I could have stayed and gone out on loan but it just felt like I needed a fresh start.

Gomes admitted he still keeps a frequent eye on the goings on at United, including in the club's academy rank from which he rose.

While he has sought out a new path in France, Gomes's first stop has actually been to Portugal, after agreeing to go on loan to Boavista for the 2020/21 season.

When preparing for his temporary switch, he even called upon ex-United teammate Bruno Fernandes for assistance.

Fernandes spent eight years in Boavista's youth teams and was able to give Gomes advice on where he could find a decent apartment, buy a car and shops to stock up on groceries.

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The forward has scored three times in his last three appearances (Global Media Group/Sipa USA)

So far he has made five appearances, scoring three goals - including one from the halfway line, as well as laying on three goals for his teammates on his debut.

After becoming disconcerted at being left on the sidelines at United, he says his spell at Boavista has already boosted his confidence and helped him ride the highs of the football rollercoaster again.

"I had the right people around me and I stayed grounded, but when you hit a few lows it starts to build up on you," he added.

"I wanted to get back to where I was and find happiness in my football.”