Manchester United News: Jesse Lingard Still Gunning For Exit Despite Latest Setback

Manchester United winger Jesse Lingard is reportedly infuriated with how the club is handling his desire to leave Old Trafford after negotiations with Newcastle United fell through.

Samuel Luckhurst of the Manchester Evening News reported on the development regarding Lingard and the Red Devils, with the two sides’ relationship becoming increasingly strained.

“Sources privy to discussions over a possible loan move to Newcastle say Lingard, 29, has been 'treated badly' by United and the handling of Newcastle's interest has caused a strain in the relationship between the club and the player's camp, who are 'incensed' by United's behavior," Luckhurst wrote.

Luckhurst later added that Manchester United has pegged Lingard’s loan value to Newcastle United at £15 million ($20.3 million)–a number that is simply too much for the Magpies to shell out right now.

Lingard’s hope for a transfer away from his boyhood club is due to the lack of playing time and first-team selections that he has had in recent years, further made complicated by the arrival of Jadon Sancho during the summer transfer window.

With the 29-year-old hoping to remain in England for the next portion of his career, it was rumored that his preferred destination was either with the Tottenham Hotspurs or his former loan club in West Ham United.

However, Manchester United recognizes how capable a player Lingard is on the attack and has opted to decline inquiries from both sides in fear of the Red Devils being surpassed by whichever side nets Lingard.

A move to Newcastle United would have greatly benefitted Lingard as he searches for a feature role that will help him regain his spot on the English national squad ahead of their matchups against Switzerland and Ivory Coast in March.

As interim manager Ralf Rangnick has given him the green light to leave Old Trafford, Lingard will have a ton of suitors when his contract expires in the summer.

Italian Serie A powerhouse Juventus is rumored to be one of the teams that are considering to make a move on acquiring Lingard on a free transfer after the failed negotiations with Newcastle United.

The Red Devils are not expected to make any significant moves in the remaining days of the January transfer window as they continue to sort out the frustrations from other personnel, mainly from Donny van de Beek.

Manchester United will not return to the field until February 4 against Middlesbrough due to an international break mandated by FIFA because of postponed games owing to the COVID-19 pandemic.