Lingard rejects new Man United contract

Jesse Lingard has rejected Manchester United’s offer of a new contract due to a fear of a lack of game-time this season, according to The Times.

Apparently, the 28-year-old forward has asked assurances about having a place in the plans of manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer before he recommits to the 20-time English champions. So far this season, he has spent only four minutes on the pitch, coming on as a late substitute in a 1-1 draw away to Southampton in the Premier League on August 22nd.

Lingard enjoyed a rather fruitful loan spell with West Ham in the second half of 2020-21, making 16 league appearances for David Moyes’ team and contributing to their cause with nine goals and five assists. The Hammers were hoping to make the deal permanent at the end of the campaign, but it wasn’t to be. There was reported interest from five other clubs in the English top flight as well.

Lingard’s contract with United expires at the end of the season, and if he doesn’t get the guarantees he craves, he is prepared to run it down and leave the club as a free agent.