Man Utd show their next move in Jesse Lingard saga ahead of summer transfer window

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Jesse Lingard’s Manchester United future looks to be in serious doubt, and now the Red Devils have made their next move in the unfolding saga regarding his career after it emerged the midfielder has asked for ‘time off.’

Now, United have opted to give in to Lingard’s demands and allow the playmaker time to recompose himself, ahead of what looks set to be an imminent summer transfer window departure.

Lingard, 29, was promised game time this season by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer given his superb form at West Ham last season.

He started well, scoring two goals in his first three Premier League games of the season alongside a last-minute assist to beat Villarreal in the Champions League.

But a spell on the sidelines then fast approached, meaning the Warrington-born star has only featured in 88 minutes of Premier League action this season.

Bids came in from Newcastle, West Ham and Everton for his services, although a move never materialised.

And according to Ralf Rangnick, Lingard has asked for time off to clear his mind after a move broke down.

“Jesse asked if we could give him a couple of days off to clear his mind. He will be back in training on Monday and part of the whole squad,” Rangnick said in Thursday’s press conference.

“It was a good week of training, we could train under normal circumstances and we’re looking forward to the FA Cup game tomorrow.

“Three weeks ago, Jesse didn’t want to leave, then he changed his mind.

“I had a chat with him 10 days ago and I could fully understand why he wanted to leave, to get game time for his future and the World Cup.

“I told him if he finds a club and the club find a solution with our club, I would allow him to leave, then with all the developments, things changed.

“We also had no agreement with any other club, so we had to take a final decision as the board and keep Jesse until the end of the season.”

It remains to be seen if Lingard will feature in any fixture this season, with the club still in the hunt for FA Cup and Champions League titles.

They are all but out of the title race by sitting 19 points behind rivals Manchester City, meaning they are as close to 16th-placed Everton than the summit of the table.

Lingard was denied a move away from the club on Monday’s deadline day, which has since been put down to the suspension of young striker Mason Greenwood.

And they may require his services in the top four battle if injuries occur.

The Red Devils face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup on Friday evening.

Rangnick’s men will be looking to win the trophy for the first time in six seasons.

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