“I suspect there is no way back now” – Paul Robinson feels Manchester United man has no future at Old Trafford after ‘harsh’ treatment by club
Former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson believes Jesse Lingard's time at Manchester United is over following his failed transfer move in January to Newcastle United.
Lingard has been a fringe player at United this season, making 14 appearances across competitions, but 12 of them from the bench. He was widely tipped to leave on a loan deal in January, but the deal didn't materialise.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Robinson gave his opinion on Lingard's current situation at Old Trafford. The 42-year-old said the failed transfer in January has hindered Lingard's chances for the FIFA World Cup later this year, saying:
“I think he’s been treated harshly by the club. I understand why they wouldn’t let him go to West Ham or Tottenham because Man United are competing with them for the top four."
"The manager said he could go in January, so he is clearly not a part of his plans. He will not play much, if at all, between now and the end of the season. It is to the player’s detriment because if he doesn’t play, he’ll struggle to get into the World Cup squad."
Robinson added:
“He needs to be realistic and get his head down now. There can be no ifs and buts. He needs to get his head down between now and the end of the season. His destiny will be in his own hands come the summer. I suspect there is no way back now at United;the relationship looks to have deteriorated. I don’t even think a new manager can persuade him to stay.”
Jesse Lingard joined the club as a youngster in 2000. The Englishman graduated through their academy before establishing himself in the first team. He has made 225 appearances for the club across competitions, scoring 35 goals and giving 21 assists. However, the 29-year-old winger is now into the final six months of his contract with the club and is not looking to extend his deal.
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
Both West Ham United and Newcastle United were interested in signing Lingard in January. However, United wanted to insert a survival bonus worth £12 million in Lingard's Newcastle deal, leading to the collapse of the move. Mason Greenwood's untimely suspension by the club also meant that United were shy in attacking depth.
Lingard has barely featured for United under interim manager Ralf Rangnick. The 29-year-old winger has been given just one minute of Premier League action and five minutes in the FA Cup. Lingard was excluded from the matchday squad for United's fourth-round clash against Middlesbrough, which they lost on penalties.
Rangnick on Lingard: “We have to look forward now, there are no problems between me and Jesse. I'm very happy to have him in the squad... He knows I would have been willing to let him go at least until issue with Greenwood came up.” 🗣️
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Manchester United need to get back to winning ways against Burnley
Following their shock defeat to Middlesbrough, Manchester United need to return to winning ways against Burnley at Turf Moor in the Premier League on Tuesday.
It is worth noting that Rangnick's men have been in good form in the Premier League recently. Manchester United have won their last two games, against Brentford and West Ham.
M A T C H D A Y 🟡🔵 M A T C H D A Y 🟡
#MUFC | #BURMUN
As things stand, Manchester United are fourth in the Premier League standings, having accumulated 38 points from 22 matches. Winning the game against Burnley is extremely crucial for the Red Devils. If they fail to do so and if West Ham win against Watford, the Hammers could displace Manchester United from fourth position. At this point, they trail league leaders Manchester City by almost 20 points.