When Jesse Lingard took to social media last night, it added more drama to the situation.
The midfielder revealed that he was advised to take personal leave after failing to secure a move away from the club, however, Ralf Rangnick has tonight said that he would’ve played Lingard against Middlesbrough.
The club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons! But my headspace is clear and I’ll always be professional when called upon and give 100 percent
— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) February 3, 2022
United crashed out of the FA Cup on penalties – arguably our only chance at winning silverware this season now dead in the water – and United looked light in the attacking department, especially in extra-time when it was time for Jadon Sancho to come off.
The Paul Pogba substitution in the second half changed the match for the worse. He looked tired, so it would be crazy to blame Rangnick for that since it was his first game back since November.
After the match, Rangnick told reporters (via Manchester Evening News reporter Samuel Luckhurst): “We were one outfield player less on the teamsheet, so why would I have allowed him [Lingard] to have four or five days off, I would have loved to have had him in the squad.”
Rangnick: 'We were one outfield player less on the teamsheet, so why would I have allowed him (Lingard) to have four or five days off, I would have loved to have had him in the squad.' Says Cavani was never going to make the squad. #mufc
— Samuel Luckhurst (@samuelluckhurst) February 4, 2022
The manager added that Edinson Cavani was given extra time off because he was never going to make the squad.
