Ralf Rangnick has said that he is not the person dealing with the future of Manchester United star Jesse Lingard but would be happy for him to stay at the club until the end of the current Premier League season. Fabrizio Romano reported the comments amid speculation over the former West Ham United loanee joining Newcastle United before the transfer window closes.
Ralf Rangnick Says Manchester United Star Is Still Wanted at Club
Rangnick on Lingard-Newcastle deal: “He's a really good player, it's normal – Newcastle showed interest in him but I am not the one dealing with that”. 🔴 #MUFC
“The question is what Jesse wants to do – I wouldn't be unhappy if he stayed until the rest of the season”. #NUFC pic.twitter.com/PgmVDVNGvx
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) January 21, 2022
Hesitant
United manager Rangnick is fully aware of the links surrounding Lingard who has struggled to earn game time at Old Trafford of late and impressed when he was on loan with West Ham at the end of last season. He is however still holding reservations about allowing the player to leave before the end of the January transfer window.
One reason why Rangnick remains hesitant about selling Lingard is the situation with Covid cases among football players. He could at any time be left short and needs to have strength in depth to be able to play all of his side’s scheduled fixtures. Coronavirus cases on top of potential injuries could at any time apply significant pressure on the squad.
However, the decision is not in the manager’s hands.
Contract
Lingard has now entered into the final six months of his contract at the Theatre of Dreams and knows that if he wants to secure a place in Gareth Southgate’s squad for the Qatar World Cup in 2022 he needs to be playing regular first-team football, ideally in the Premier League or at a top European side. He had been offered a new deal at United but rejected it knowing his playing time was still likely to remain limited.
Newcastle are looking to strengthen and have money to spend thanks to their newfound wealth. Lingard could be the perfect person to inspire their team towards survival this season.
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