Rangnick reveals why he could not let Lingard leave Man Utd

Robin Bairner

8 Feb 2022 04:00 GMT
3 min read

Lingard would have been ‘perfect’ Man Utd player in Ronaldo and Rooney era – Neville — © ProShots

Manchester United interim boss Ralf Rangnick has revealed why he feels Jesse Lingard became indispensable for the Old Trafford club in the closing hours of the January transfer window.

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Lingard had been expected to leave the Red Devils towards the end of the winter window, with several clubs believed to be keeping close tabs on him. Newcastle, West Ham and Ligue 1 side Nice were all linked with a move for the England star, yet no deal was done.

The attacker has been frustrated with his lack of game time at Man Utd this season, having experienced an exceptional half season on loan at West Ham during 2021/22. Ole Gunner Solskjaer, who was sacked by the Red Devils earlier this season, had promised him chances that simply did not come, and under Rangnick he has been equally frustrated.

However, Mason Greenwood’s legal issues, which have led to the Manchester United youngster being arrested and questioned over the alleged rape and assault of a woman, prompted Rangnick to have a U-turn in his thinking.

“He knows that I would have been willing to let him go, at least until the issue with Mason Greenwood came up and all the other things I think we have spoken about,” the former Schalke boss said.

Rangnick on Lingard relationship

Jesse Lingard, Manchester United, 2021/22 — © ProShots

Meanwhile, any problems between the pair, which were rumoured when it was erroneously claimed that Lingard had requested some time off to ‘clear his clear’, have apparently been patched up.

“With regard to Jesse, I have a very good relationship with him,” Rangnick added.

“He mentioned some personal issues but, again, we have to look forward now. There were no problems whatsoever between myself and Jesse and vice versa.

“I’m happy to have him in the squad and, as I said, he will be a member of the squad for tomorrow’s game.”

Lingard will be hoping to feature when Manchester United travel to Burnley on Wednesday in a Premier League fixture.