Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick will be pulling his hair out. The German tactician had just let two wingers leave Old Trafford on loan and then news breaks on Sunday that Mason Greenwood has been arrested on suspicion of assault of rape (BBC News).
Obviously, the weekend’s news concerning Greenwood has been deeply worrying and while we hope to cover the story respectfully, from purely a sporting perspective, the unfolding of last weekend’s events could not have come at a worse time for United.
Now forced to contend with a depleted squad after Anthony Martial joined Sevilla and Amad joined Rangers, the Red Devils must find a way to manage their squad ahead of a crucial second half of the season.
Read more: (Photo) Man United star pictured back training following three month layoff
With his contract set to expire in less than six-months time and no signs of renewal, one player who has been relentlessly linked with a move away is midfielder Jesse Lingard.
Manager Rangnick was recently caught confirming the English midfielder will leave the club.
“He will leave in the summer anyway.” Rangnick told fans, as posted by @phezthered on TikTok.
However, despite Newcastle United appearing front runners to land the England international on a short term loan, the Magpies could now come up short after recent reports suggested Rangnick may be forced to keep Lingard in the squad.
That’s according to the Northern Echo, who claims Greenwood’s exile from the squad, for however long that may be, could prompt Rangnick to reassess his transfer plans and in turn offer Lingard the unlikeliest of United lifelines.