Manchester United have confirmed Jesse Lingard will leave the club this summer. That means the player has finally got what he wanted. Lingard wanted to leave United in January but his proposed move to Newcastle was blocked at the eleventh hour.
Lingard took a couple of days off following that disappointment. Ralf Rangnick claimed that was the player's wish in his press conference but Lingard denied that on social media, insisting that the club had advised him to spend some time away instead.
There were also counterclaims behind the scenes. United sources claimed the 'original plan' was always for Lingard to stay before Newcastle registered an interest. They also stressed Lingard 'will be an important player in the second half of the season'. Lingard played just 275 minutes after those claims were made. Perhaps the definition of the word 'important' is different at United.
ALSO READ: Manchester United prioritise Timber as defensive target and hold talks with Carmo
Lingard just wanted to play football this season. He was promised just that by Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, but the Norwegian had form for struggling to keep his word. Solskjaer vowed to build his team around Pogba in 2019 and that didn't happen either.
Lingard and Pogba came through the club's academy and their departures from United were both announced on Wednesday. United re-signed Pogba for a world record transfer fee in 2016 and he leaves the club as a disappointment. Although Pogba and Lingard are close friends, the latter will know he served United better, albeit Pogba hardly set a high bar for his fellow Class of '2011 graduate.
There was a stunning extra-time goal against Crystal Palace to win the 2016 FA Cup final at Wembley, another goal at Wembley against Southampton in the 2017 League cup final and Lingard also played his part as United won the Europa League that year.
In a three-year period, Lingard scored in those two finals, he scored four times against Arsenal, twice against Chelsea, once each against Liverpool, Holland and Croatia, while he also scored in the Community Shield. Lingard just loved the big occasion.
He thrived under pressure and he thrived at Wembley. Lingard was a sensation at the 2018 World Cup in Russia, but his fall from grace was equally spectacular. Lingard never made England's squad for Euro 2020, despite the tournament being delayed a year. He regressed in the two years after England reached the World Cup semi-final and his future at United was suddenly in jeopardy.
Although Lingard was instrumental for United under Louis van Gaal and Jose Mourinho, that changed under Solskajer. Lingard made 20 starts in the 2019/20 season, contributing just four goals and two assists. He wasn't considered part of Solskjaer's plans.
Lingard was desperate to prove Solskjaer wrong and he joined West Ham on loan in January 2021. Lingard was limited to three appearances in cup competitions at Old Trafford before moving to London. The move was deemed a risk for West Ham.
West Ham's gamble was immediately vindicated by Lingard's performances. The player contributed nine goals and four assists in just 16 games and he was promised more minutes at United for the new campaign. That obviously didn't happen and Lingard should have left the club last summer, with the benefit of hindsight. Keeping him at United was a decision that helped nobody.
Lingard has been a peripheral squad figure in the club's worst season for 40 years. His consistent omissions have been baffling and made worse by the unacceptable performances of those starting ahead of him, and that he was guaranteed more minutes.
The 29-year-old has been paid handsomely for his troubles, but the club's principles and business model must be questioned. United have led Lingard down the garden path and they squandered their last chance to receive a fee for him in the January window.
That was a mistake and Lingard is now leaving the club on a free transfer after the most frustrating period of his career.
Although Lingard's legacy at Old Trafford might be muddled, at least it's still better than Pogba's.
Sign up to our United newsletter so you never miss an update from Old Trafford this season.
