Manchester United midfielders Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira were dropped by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer yesterday. United beat Watford 3-0 at Old Trafford to record back to back victories for the first time since early December.
Jesse Lingard and Andreas Pereira’s Problems at Manchester United
Solskjaer’s decision to drop the pair was unsurprising. They have both struggled for form this season and faced criticism for their performances in the 0-0 draw against Club Brugge last week.
Despite Solskjaer’s decision, he suggested after yesterdays win that he was simply rotating the squad.
Dropping Lingard and Pereira was a big statement from Solskjaer. Their omission may signal a struggle for the pair to get back into the United team.
Underperforming
Lingard’s poor form is a long-term issue. He scored his last Premier League goal in December 2018. His only goals this season came against Tranmere in the FA Cup and Astana in the Europa League.
The 27-year-old finds himself out of favour at United. Recently, his performances have resulted in late appearances from the bench or early omissions from Solskjaer. Lingard only completed the full 90 minutes on four occasions this season.
Pereira also continues to struggle, scoring one goal and providing just four assists in 35 games for United this season.
The versatile midfielder showed some promise earlier in the season. United won four out of five matches in December and the Brazilian performed well in a number of positions across midfield. But Pereira hasn’t rediscovered this form since.
Returning Options for Ole
Solskjaer’s midfield options continue to grow as Scott McTominay was named on the bench yesterday, recovering from a knee injury.
20-year-old Tahith Chong was chosen on the bench ahead of Lingard and Pereira against Watford too while other young players James Garner and Angel Gomes may also be preferred options if they continue to impress for the under 23s.
As United’s squad returns to full availability, it seems likely that Lingard and Pereria will be the ones to suffer.
Way Back?
It’s likely that Pereria and Lingard will feature again for United this season. The Red Devils are still competing in three competitions and will battle for a Champions League place in the Premier League.
However, if players continue to return from injury and Solskjaer’s squad remains fully available, then it’s difficult to see a starting position for either of these out of form players.
Lingard and Pereria have been given plenty of chances by Solskjaer this season and it seems as though he has lost faith in the midfield pair.
Main Photo
