Unless a target becomes available, we’ve
been told not to expect much activity in the market, although Ralf Rangnick
will try to trim the squad he inherited.
One of the players being linked with a move
away from Old Trafford is Jesse Lingard.
After impressing on loan at West Ham last
season, the England international has only made eight Premier League
appearances (as a substitute) this season, with his only starts coming in the
League Cup and Champions League.
Lingard not getting sufficient playing time
was always going to lead to speculation that the 29-year-old could leave, with
his contract set to expire in the summer.
According to The Athletic, Newcastle United
do not intend to pursue the situation at present. That likely means they will
wait until the summer to try sign Lingard on a Bosman.
The report suggests Lingard will now set
his mind on battling for a way into Rangnick’s plans, but surely the board are
going to try move him out next month instead of losing him on a free in six
months’ time?
I’m not against Lingard staying but it’s
time for a decision. We can’t keep allowing players to run down their
contracts.
Paul Pogba finds himself in a similar
situation and it’s set to cost United millions!