According to Mirror, Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer is looking to ring in the changes in the upcoming January transfer window and Jesse Lingard is among four players expected to leave Man United. The Englishman has recently split from agent Mino Raiola, with an exit from Old Trafford looming large. The players on this list, meanwhile, include Dean Henderson, Daniel James and Paul Pogba.
Jesse Lingard’s Rapid Fall From Grace
Once regarded as one of the most promising prospects at Manchester United, it has been a tough couple of years for Jesse Lingard. The attacker has had a fair share of troubles regarding injuries, game-time and a lack of form.
Lingard’s unfortunate groin injury during the start of the 2018/19 campaign, in particular, derailed his progress. It was followed by the departure of Jose Mourinho, with new manager Ole-Gunnar Solskjaer’s radical plans towards changing the core of the team leading to the player’s demise over the past couple of years.
Last season, for example, Lingard couldn’t even muster 1,000 minutes of league football. It has only gone from bad to worse as the 27-year-old is yet to make a single appearance in the Premier League so far this campaign.
Does He Have Any Future At The Club?
Solskjaer deserves a lot of credit for building a strong offensive unit at Manchester United that has been boosted by the inspirational Bruno Fernandes.
The Portuguese international has made the number ten role his own with a host of brilliant performances and an excellent show of leadership. It has kept even the likes of Donny van de Beek and Juan Mata on the bench.
Lingard, therefore, faces a similar fate, and even though the Englishman can operate in a wider attacking role, it has already been occupied by the likes of Marcus Rashford and Mason Greenwood while the Red Devils are also actively searching for a new winger.
What Should Be Ole’s Play Here?
Manchester United need to move on from Lingard if they are to build a more powerful attacking unit. The 27-year-old’s departure can not only serve as a financial boost for the club, but it can also make up some space for new signings. As for the player, a move away from Old Trafford should offer him the opportunity of reviving his career.
Meanwhile, aside from Lingard, Solskjaer should also look to offload the likes of James and potentially Pogba as neither of these two players have really lived up to the expectations. James, in particular, could thrive elsewhere with a bit more game-time.
