Manchester United have been able to agree to a new contract with starlet Jesse Lingard, as per the reports from The Sun. The 24-year-old has committed his future with United until the summer of 2021. The new contract will see a massive jump in wages for the forward, who was reportedly on around £30,000 per week. This new contract will see him make £95,000 per week. United have also inserted the option of an additional year in his contract, and it will be something that they could look to activate depending on the player’s performances.
Lingard made his debut for United under Louis van Gaal. Since his debut in the 2014-15 season, he has come a long way and is now firmly regarded as one of the players capable of taking the spot from Wayne Rooney in the first team. Lingard scored six goals in 40 appearances for the club last season. His goal record has improved substantially with three goals in 18 appearances so far. Even though he is yet to score in the Premier League, Mourinho has actually used him as a starter more often than not. A big chunk (nine) of his 11 league appearances this season have come from the starting line-up.
It is a clear sign of faith from United that Lingard is on his way to better things. At 24 years of age, he has the versatility to play in a number of positions, but it is widely believed that he will settle on the wings in the future. Lingard’s biggest impact this season have come in the attacking right midfield position with the player contributing one goal and two assists from six appearances.
United have been measured in their approach to offer existing players a contract. Even though the likes of Juan Mata are in a precarious position with regard to their contacts, the club are taking it slowly and have just tied down Lingard on this long-term deal. It may be the first of many to come in 2017. Antonio Valencia is out of contract at the end of the season, although the club do have the option of an additional year.
One of the biggest surprises came recently when the club announced taking up the option of an additional year on Marouane Fellaini’s contract. It was a decision that put the fans in surprise, but it appears to have been completely taken with an economic standpoint. Fellaini was out of contract in the summer and United did not want to lose on a free transfer after having paid £ 27 million to sign him. He will now stay at United until the summer of 2018, thus giving the club an opportunity to find a buyer at least in the summer.
