Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has come out to defend Jesse Lingard after the player’s brother criticized Rangnick for not bringing on the midfielder during Monday’s 3-0 win over Brentford, United’s final home game of the season. The 29-year-old, who joined United when aged seven, is set to leave the club when his contract runs out this summer.
Ralf Rangnick said: “In the last couple of weeks under my tenure, he has played far more games than he used to.” The German also said: “Secondly, on game day against Chelsea [on 28 April] 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 substitutes, I had to decide 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.”
Jesse Lingard has made 22 appearances for Manchester United this season but has only managed to start just four of those games. United interim coach used Fred, defender Phil Jones and striker Cavani instead of him during the 3-0 win over Brentford.
After the game, Lingard’s brother posted a furious message on social media complaining that after “20 years of blood, sweat and tears, four domestic trophies and three cup final goals” there was “not even a farewell” for the England midfielder.