Ralf Rangnick has rubbished claims that Manchester United was ‘classless’ in denying a farewell to Jesse Lingard against Brentford.
Juan Mata, Edinson Cavani, and Phil Jones were all given opportunities to make their final Old Trafford appearance, but Lingard was left on the bench.
Ralf Rangnick’s choice to leave Lingard alone on the bench did not sit well with the midfielder’s brother, who took to Instagram to express his displeasure. Manchester United’s interim manager clarified the situation regarding Lingard ahead of Saturday’s match against Brighton & Hove Albion.
In the recent prematch conference before the Brighton game, Rangnick said:
“To start with, I think in the last couple of weeks under my tenure he has played far more games than he used to before I came. Number two: on game day against Chelsea he contacted me in the hotel and asked me to release him from the game and to also release him from the training session the following day and two days after the Chelsea game for personal family reasons. And I also allowed him to do that.
“And this was the reason with only three subs, unfortunately – in the other leagues you have five subs – I had to make a decision between bringing on Edinson Cavani or Jesse Lingard, or even the young Alejandro Garnacho, whom I would have loved to have brought on and given a chance after going 3-0 up with 15 minutes to play. But I took the decision to bring on Edinson for the very reasons I just explained to you
“My focus has always been here, with my coaching staff, to develop the team. In those days with social media, there is always somebody posting something and it’s important for us at the club not to take too much notice of that.”
Rangnick was under no need to explain his decision-making processes, but he did so and deserves praise. Lingard may believe he has been treated unfairly this season, but he is unquestionably one of the poster boys for United’s recent decline.
In 232 games for United, he has 35 goals and 21 assists, which, let’s be honest, is a bad return for a player making about £80,000 per week.
Must Read: Former United defender Paul Parker calls Jesse Lingard ‘Mr. Instagram’.
The 29-year-old is a talented football player. But he has failed to provide something incredible to Manchester United over the recent years even after getting numerous chances.
Gary Neville has given a befitting reply to Jesse Lingard’s brother
Former United captain Gary Neville has now given a befitting reply to Jesse Lingard’s brother, claiming that Lingard has little to complain about after receiving precisely what he wanted – a free move.
As reported by the Manchester Evening News, Gary Neville said: “I don’t get the Lingard fuss at all. I saw far better players than him not get a perfect send-off. He wants to leave, he wanted a free transfer. He’s got it. Move on.”
I don’t get the Lingard fuss at all. I saw far better players than him not get a perfect send off. He wants to leave, he wanted a free transfer. He’s got it. Move on. https://t.co/mAUSylX9uJ
— Gary Neville (@GNev2) May 6, 2022
Jesse Lingard’s brother’s childish comments have been so common in recent years, and this is no exception. Lingard has always been active on social media responses and has been criticized for his behavior numerous times.
One thing is certain: when Lingard leaves at the end of the season, United supporters will be relieved to see his midfielder depart.
