Exclusive by CandH northern correspondent Terry Robbins
Jesse Lingard refused to give Manchester United team-mates any assurances he would still be at the club following his friendly outing on Sunday at Derby County.
The Old Trafford midfielder came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win at Pride Park, which saw boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claim in the aftermath the 28-year-old was still part of his future plans.
The Old Trafford midfielder came on as a second-half substitute in the 2-1 win at Pride Park, which saw boss Ole Gunnar Solskjaer claim in the aftermath the 28-year-old was still part of his future plans.United insiders, however, have told Claret&H that the player would not divulge his future intentions, despite veteran midfielder Juan Mata also personally asking Jesse if he would still be at United in the next few weeks.
Our excellent sources up in Manchester told us: “A meeting took place on Thursday at the training ground between Lingard and the bosses, primarily to put cards on the table, United made it clear they wanted him to stay and Ole has stressed to him that he will get games under him next season.
“United have offered an extra £30k a week but Lingard is still keeping his own counsel and batted away Mata and a few of the younger lads who were also asking after his situation.”
The source added: “Some of the staff have raised eyebrows by United’s recent charm offensive – the Club have kept him waiting on the offer of a new deal for the best part of two years, and now all of a sudden they are pitching how important he remains to the squad.”
Warrington-born Lingard has been at United since the age of seven and our sources state the former on-loan Irons’ favourite remains conflicted about letting down David Moyes at the London Stadium.
There is a growing feeling Lingard does want to give it “one more go” – and United embarking on yet another big spend this summer after nine years without a Premier League title.
United have demanded Lingard provide them with a quick answer and Solskjaer’s comments over the weekend did suggest a high degree of bullishness.
The player’s reticence to share his thoughts on Sunday with his United team-mates, though, lends itself more to Lingard remaining undecided on the final call.
I really fear for us if Moyes spends 25m on Lingard and 35m on Abraham, to such an extent I believe he will be sacked by Christmas, Let us think about this for a second 50-60m on 2 players who cannot make the the Man United and Chelsea squads – seriously think about it. Chelsea won the CL without Abraham and United got to the Europa League Final without Lingard, we really need to be signing players who can compete at the top, not one other club has bid for Abraham, even Villa have pulled out. For me Abraham is not a striker who can play our system, for me he is not a better 9 than Antonio. We will be a laughing stock if we spend 50-60m on these 2 players, look at the players we could sign for this money.
He probably hasn’t decided. If ManU really offered a further £30k per week he will stay and watch the others play.
I do feel, we are going to be left hanging, yet again. Its clear Jesse wants to stay at Man U and Solskjaer also wants him to stay. That being the case we should move on and buy Pereira from West Brom before its to late. If Jesse does stay, I cant see him signing a new contract. If he does he will be locked in, maybe on the sidelines for the rest of his career. If by January Solskjaer has kept his word and plays Lingard regularly he will then sign a new deal. If he doesn’t get the game time promised he will be off to us for Peanuts or wait until next Summer and get him on a free. But in the mean time we cant wait any longer and should sign Pereira ASAP.
Ole can stress all he wants that Jesse will get game time under him next season. The truth will be that once he has signed, any promises go by the way. OGS won’t be much of a manager if he plays guys he doesn’t really want in the team just because they thought they were inked-in on the teamsheet. Then, what happens after that continuing frustration of being outside the plans? Next season, West Ham have found someone else. Only Bolton, Oldham and Rochdale are showing interest – but at the right price. I think that Jesse Lingard has higher aspirations for life enjoyment than those which Manchester United can provide. Come to West Ham, Jesse. You know it makes sense. You fit in well with our team. COYI