Manchester United: Update on Jesse Lingard’s long-standing saga

Another player reaching the final six months of his Manchester United deal is Jesse Lingard. Last month it was almost certain that the English midfielder will listen to offers abroad and seek a venture away from Old Trafford.

Jesse Lingard, who was a shock transfer target for Real Madrid, says that leaving Manchester has become less desirable and will try to fight for a starting spot under interim manager, Ralf Rangnick.

There is a new lease of life for all players, starters and players on the fringe, to go out and impress the new manager who has promised that every player will get a fair shot to prove himself.

This is a total 180 turn following recent publications; first, it was that talks have broken down between the player and the club, and his time at the club will come to an end by January next year, where he will seek a loan move for regular minutes — a permanent deal would occur thereafter the six-month loan spell.

"According to reports, Lingard who enjoyed a resurgence in form with West Ham United last season has ended discussions over a new deal with Man United.The talks were ongoing since the player returned from his six months loan spell at London stadium and now has taken a turn for the worst.His current contract expires at the end of the season but the player’s agents are not going to misuse his time and will seek a loan move away from Old Trafford and then at the end of the season see him leave as a free agent. (Via: thetopflight.com)"

Second came the links to Real Madrid, who were contemplating on a free transfer for the 29-year-old who celebrated his birthday five days ago. It was a surprise, to say the least, but judging by their transfer targets for next summer, they will need to do some cheap business deals, and Lingard represents that.

Manchester United were looking to profit off a Lingard sale during the reign of Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but it could all appear better for the midfielder now that the Norwegian has left.

"Jesse Lingard has long been the subject of a Manchester United exit and it appears it will remain that way until the fringe player makes the switch from Old Trafford to another club.Most recently, the team linked with a possible Lingard transfer has come with a bit of a shock, as Real Madrid reportedly consider the option of bringing him to the Spanish capital.This could create a massive issue for United who are looking to make a profit on the sale of the academy product. Lingard is in the final year of his current deal and will be allowed to talk to clubs outside of England by January and can consent to a pre-agreement before eventually leaving for free next summer. (Via: thetopflight.com)"

But once again plans have changed for Jesse Lingard and his Manchester life will continue

Lingard will no longer focus on forcing his way out of Old Trafford but rather use this time to concentrate on his game and making the England squad by putting in an extra shift under Rangnick.

Only once the 2020/21 campaign has ended and probably after the World Cup will the player decide his long-term future — a decision that might be the biggest has had to make in his entire career, being 29 already.

"Lingard is allowed to secure a pre-contract agreement with an overseas team next month but it’s expected he will focus on football and weigh up his possibilities towards the end of the campaign. No further dialogue with #mufc is scheduled for now. [@David_Ornstein]Newcastle do not intend to pursue Jesse Lingard’s situation currently. Lingard has decided he will not be making a switch during the January window, choosing instead to stay and battle for a way into Rangnick’s plans. [@David_Ornstein] (Via: )"

Manchester United will be happy with the extra option but not entirely with the choice

The Red Devils will be happy that they no longer have to worry about his situation until the end of the season and that they have an extra player to select from on matchdays. But they must accept losing Jesse Lingard for free is becoming more of a reality.

The academy player is in the driver’s seat but must be careful he doesn’t make the wrong decision ahead of the World Cup — a tournament that could be the last major event he gets to represent his country and the Three Lions.

Also, it must be noted, a contract extension must never be ruled out with news changing quite frequently in his scenario. The end of the season and then during next summer is going to be quite busy for the Red Devils.

The attacking midfielder has made 12 appearances this season across all competitions, with only two of them being starts  — none of them which have come in the Premier League.