Former Manchester United star Angel Gomes suffers head injury in Lille's Ligue 1 opener
Ex-Manchester United player Angel Gomes suffered a head injury while playing for Lille in their 2024-25 season Ligue 1 opener against Reims on Saturday, August 17. The English midfielder was in the game from the start as his side picked up a 2-0 win away from home to begin the season.
Diminutive midfielder Gomes is starting his fifth season with Lille, having joined the club at the start of the 2020-21 season. He came through the ranks at Manchester United, making his debut in 2017 with Jose Mourinho in charge of the club.
Lille boss Bruno Genesio named Angel Gomes in the starting lineup for the game against Reims as they sought to make a good start to the season. The England U-21 international lasted just 11 minutes before a collision with Reims' Amadou Kone ended his game abruptly, earning the Reims man a sending off.
Gomes was treated for 34 minutes on the pitch, with his teammates forming a protective circle around him to prevent fans from getting a view. He was carried off the pitch after he was stabilized, and transferred to a hospital.
Genesio stated after the game that while the midfielder was out of danger, care still needs to be taken and he needs monitoring. The 23-year-old regained consciousness and even asked about the score of the match, while also joking with his manager as to whether he can play next week.
Despite what had happened to the former Manchester United man, Lille's players were thoroughly professional as they got the job done. Bafode Diakite (45+30') and Jonathan David (90+3') were the goalscorers as Les Dogues claimed an opening day away win.
There was also a debut for 17-year-old Ethan Mbappe off the bench, as he played the last three minutes of the game.
Former Manchester United star announces retirement from football
Former Manchester United defender Phil Jones has announced his retirement from professional football despite being just 32 years old. The 27-cap England international will now focus on getting into management, he also revealed.
Jones signed with the Red Devils from Blackburn Rovers in 2011, and was seen as a prodigy by many in the English game. He would go on to make 229 appearances for the club in 12 years, as injuries ravaged his career.
Phil Jones last appeared in a match for the Red Devils at the end of the 2021-22 season, spending the entire 2022-23 season on the sidelines before leaving the club. He completed his UEFA A badges in the 2023-24 season and has worked with the U-18s at Manchester United.