Lingard refuses to tell United team-mates his 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.