Manchester United's English striker Marcus Rashford (R) celebrates with Manchester United's English midfielder Jesse Lingard (L) after scoring their second goal during the English Premier League football match between Leicester City and Manchester United at King Power Stadium in Leicester, central England on October 16, 2021. - RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by Paul ELLIS / AFP) / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. / RESTRICTED TO EDITORIAL USE. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No video emulation. Social media in-match use limited to 120 images. An additional 40 images may be used in extra time. No use in betting publications, games or single club/league/player publications. (Photo by PAUL ELLIS/AFP via Getty Images)
Jesse Lingard’s attempts to leave in January have been blocked by Manchester United.
The Athletic reports the player has been told by the club he will not be able to leave ahead of tonight’s deadline.
Although no further information has been given, one would think United look a little thin on the wings for the rest of the season, especially if there are more injuries or COVID-19 outbreaks. For that reason alone I think United were right to have a hardline stance in negotiations this month.
There was interest from Newcastle United and West Ham United. And we know that, for some time, Lingard’s people have let it known that he would prefer a return move to London. That’s not to say he would stick his nose up at career changing Saudi-cash.
This only raises the point that Lingard remains in a strong position as he becomes a free agent in the summer. He will have plenty of time to negotiate a move to his preferred destination without United getting in the way, but the club was well within its right to hold firm in January.
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It is claimed Ralf Rangnick gave his blessing to Lingard to join another club on loan this season, which gives mixed signals, but I do think he will start to play more for United between now and the end of the season.
That’s why I don’t think this is terrible news for Lingard, who I must state again, is in an extremely strong negotiation position moving forward.
