Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick reveals how the Jesse Lingard saga unravelled after Middlesbrough loss

According to Eurosport UK, speaking in his post-match press conference, Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has divulged the circumstances behind the Jesse Lingard saga following the FA Cup defeat to Middlesbrough.

The attacking midfielder was omitted from the squad on account of personal leave, which he later denied on social media. During the build-up to the match, the German manager expressed that Lingard asked for some time off from the pitch to clear his head. The latter was subjected to a failed move to Newcastle United in the January transfer window. But the 29-year-old refuted those claims, which prompted the journalists to seek more answers on the matter.

Rangnick clarified his side by revealing how the situation unravelled, to begin with. The Red Devils boss further added that he would have loved to have the Englishman in his squad, given the paucity of attackers in the squad. He pointed out the lack of logic behind wantonly leaving Lingard out.

“I told you what my information was and my knowledge was, and of course, I would have loved to have had Jesse in the squad. We were one outfield player less on the teamsheet today, so why would I have allowed him to have four or five days off?” I would have loved to have had him in the squad but it was not the case and therefore, it doesn’t make sense to speak about players who were not available.”

Valid point

The 63-year-old has no reason to lie about the situation since his primary objective is to develop the team in the short term. Moreover, as the manager stated, it would not make sense to reduce his number of attacking options on the field.

Arguably, it could be a situation of “player power” in an attempt to exercise control. We have seen such an instance with Anthony Martial as well. He had expressed his desire to leave Old Trafford and had engaged in a similar encounter with the boss. Unlike Lingard, the Frenchman eventually left Old Trafford to join Sevilla on loan for the remainder of the season.

One could say Martial got what he wanted even if there is no proof that the antics were done on purpose. However, if that is the case, the 29-year-old could have adopted a similar tactic since he could not move to St. James’ Park last month. An argument can be made that he is getting back to the club for purposely sabotaging the potential move.

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Earlier, the Manchester club had demanded a £12million bonus from the Magpies if they survive relegation with Lingard in the squad. That caused the Magpies to end their interest in the England international. With the window now closed, Lingard has no option but to stay put at Old Trafford until the end of the campaign.

It is in everyone’s best interests for the player and the club to put all issues aside and work towards a common goal. With the World Cup coming up, Lingard will do him more harm than good if he is choosing not to play.