Varun Pai
Transfer Update: Jesse Lingard set to stay at Manchester United until the summer despite January interest
According to transfer news on The Athletic (Subscription Required), Jesse Lingard is set to leave Manchester United in the summer despite transfer interest in January.
The 28-year-old has been in and out of the squad at Old Trafford in the last 18 months. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer never really considered him a starter, evidenced by the minimal game-time he handed to the attacking midfielder at the start of this season and the loan move he sanctioned to West Ham earlier this year.
The Englishman has not been given chances by Ralf Rangnick either, albeit the German has only managed three games so far. West Ham United and Newcastle United are apparently keen on signing the player in January, although the latter is not ready to pursue the situation at present.
However, Lingard wants to fight for a place under the new boss rather than seeking out a move in the winter transfer window. It is also thought that with the attacker having little over six months on his contract, he holds leverage on making a decision over his future. Moreover, while he might not seal a January move, he remains eligible to sign a pre-contract next month.
Eventual exit
One way or the other, everything points towards the English international leaving Old Trafford in 2022. Rangnick may be able to stabilise the club and guide us deep into the cup competitions, but it is hard to see the academy graduate featuring prominently in any of these games.
He has made eight league appearances this season, all of which have been off the bench. His two starts have also come in the EFL Cup and against BSC Young Boys in the Champions League. Moreover, given the attacking talent in the ranks, there might not be a future for him even if he produces encouraging performances in the second half of the season.
Marcus Rashford, Mason Greenwood, and Jadon Sancho are only going to get better. Cristiano Ronaldo is showing that he can play every single game despite his age. Bruno Fernandes, too, remains a vital cog in the Man United machine. Anthony Elanga and Amad Diallo are also on the fringes of first-team action.
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Thus, it remains to be seen if his decision of staying put this season affects the club’s decision of retaining him. The Red Devils could still garner a transfer fee for him in January. But if he really wants to stay, it gives us quality depth in the squad for the rest of the season, something Rangnick might need if a couple of key players get injuries.
