Ralf Rangnick has reminded Jesse Lingard that missing matches is “part of the game” after claiming he has played “far more” than previously in recent weeks.
It has been a frustrating season at Old Trafford for the attacking midfielder, whose contract expires in June. He thrived on loan at West Ham this time last year, but hasn’t had as many chances back in Manchester. Lingard was an unused substitute in United’s most recent match, a 3-0 win over Brentford.
It seems his Manchester United career is ending with a whimper, with just two games now remaining. At a press conference on Friday, Rangnick was asked about Lingard’s frustration. The question came after some critical comments from his brother, who described the decision to overlook him as “classless”.
In response, Rangnick revealed the thought processes he is juggling in the final few games of his spell as United’s interim manager. What’s more, he suggested Lingard has had more action in recent weeks than before.
Rangnick explained: “To start with, in the last couple of weeks under my tenure he has played far more games than he used to. Number two, on game day against Chelsea he asked me to release him from the game and training the following day for personal family reasons.
“And this was the reason with only three subs I had to take a decision between Edinson Cavani and Jesse Lingard, or the young Alejandro Garnacho, who I would have loved to have brought on and given a chance to play. I took the decision to bring on Edinson.
“Had I not brought on someone might have asked if it’s classless not to bring on Cavani or Alejandro Garnacho. After two subs, you have to take a decision and this will not be to the liking of everybody and this is part of the game.”
There are now two remaining chances for Lingard to bid farewell to the club whose academy he came through before making more than 200 senior appearances.
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