Varun Pai
Michael Owen ‘cannot believe’ Jesse Lingard failed to start for Manchester United against Everton
Speaking to BT Sport (h/t Metro), Michael Owen has explained that he was surprised to not see Jesse Lingard start for Manchester United against Everton on Saturday.
The 28-year-old has been in good form for the Manchester-based club this season as he has contributed to three goals in six games so far, including scoring the winner against West Ham two weeks ago. Lingard was also on queue to help Ronaldo score the winner against Villarreal in mid-week.
Thus, the attacking midfielder would have been hoping to start against Everton, especially after most fringe stars made the XI. Edinson Cavani was given his first league start while this was only Anthony Martial’s 2nd start in the league, after making the first one in August.
However, the Englishman neither made the starting line-up nor was he brought off the bench, despite the need to score a goal. Michael Owen has now expressed his surprise at Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s decision to not play the 28-year-old in the draw against Everton.
Owen told BT Sport (h/t Metro):
‘I can’t believe Jesse Lingard’s not… I thought he’d start today. I couldn’t believe it in midweek when he only got six minutes at the end of the game and still made a huge impact. Every time he steps on the pitch for Manchester United, he makes something happen.
‘He either scores or assists or does something. I thought it’s only a matter of time before he gets a start. I thought it would be today. When they are struggling, I thought he’d be one of the first players to come on.’
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Lingard is yet to start a Premier League game for the Red Devils this season and might start evaluating his future options soon if this situation continues. The Englishman will be out of contract next summer, and unless his game-time increases, it remains to be seen how Solskjaer and co. will convince to keep the attacker at the club next season.
