Varun Pai
Jesse Lingard has rejected a new deal at Manchester United
According to ESPN, Jesse Lingard has rejected a new contract at Manchester United amidst speculation over his future.
The 28-year-old’s contract is set to expire in 2022, and he would be available on a free transfer to any of his suitors next summer. The Englishman, who recently featured during the international break for the Three Lions, scored 2 goals and provided 1 assist in the 4-0 victory against Andorra.
Gareth Southgate selected the attacking midfielder even though he has only featured in a single game for the Red Devils this season – an off-the-bench cameo against Southampton. However, Lingard now wants to maintain a position in the national squad and would need consistent game-time at club level.
This might not be something the Old Trafford outfit can guarantee as they already possess the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo, Mason Greenwood, Anthony Martial, Marcus Rashford, Jadon Sancho, Edinson Cavani and Bruno Fernandes as options in the final third. Thus, Lingard will consider signing a new deal at Manchester United only when he is assured of regular minutes.
The Englishman failed to start a single Premier League game for the Red Devils last year, courtesy of which he sought a move to West Ham United on a loan deal. The 28-year-old was incredible for the Hammers as went on to make 16 appearances, scoring 9 goals and providing 5 assists in the process.
Thus, several clubs were interested in getting a deal over the line for the academy graduate this summer, but United blocked a move as Solskjaer was ‘keen’ on the player staying at Old Trafford this season.
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However, with his future up in the air now, Lingard could talk to foreign clubs in January itself so as to negotiate a free transfer at the end of this season, but only time will tell where the Englishman plays his football next year.
