Newcastle-linked Jesse Lingard endures miserable Manchester derby

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Barring an increasingly unlikely deep Champions League run from Manchester United, Jesse Lingard, linked with Newcastle United in the January transfer window, has probably played in his last Manchester derby.

If the attacking midfielder would have had his January wish granted, he would have been watching the derby as either a Newcastle or West Ham United player.

The Athletic reported in February 2022 that Newcastle wanted to sign Lingard in the January transfer window.

The attacking midfielder himself was keen on a move to St. James’ Park, according to Amanda Staveley.

The England international had Ralf Rangnick’s blessing to leave in the winter window, but with Mason Greenwood unavailable for selection, the club blocked any potential departure involving Lingard.

It was Anthony Martial and Donny van de Beek who were allowed to leave, not Lingard.

Since coming back into the Manchester United fold, Rangnick has called upon his number 14 on a number of occasions and even handed Lingard his first Premier League start of the season, in the 4-2 win against Leeds.

But in yesterday’s 4-1 defeat at the Etihad Stadium, Lingard’s lack of involvement and influence on proceedings was staggeringly wide of the mark.

In the 64th minute, with United trailing 2-1, interim boss Rangnick decided to make a double change and brought on Lingard and Marcus Rashford to replace Anthony Elanga and Paul Pogba.

Rashford, a man who is struggling with confidence and form, had 11 touches.

But Lingard only mustered two touches of the football during the same period.

His first touch cane in the 70th minute and his last came in the 89th.

Manchester United legend Gary Neville slammed Rashford and Lingard for their lack of impact against Pep Guardiola’s side.

Speaking on Sky Sports, the pundit said: “I thought they [Manchester United] were better with Pogba and Fernandes up front than they were when Rashford came on.

“I thought they were even worse when Rashford and Lingard came on. I thought they were terrible.”

On yesterday’s evidence, it looks like Jesse Lingard’s time at Old Trafford is going to fizzle out and once his contract ends with the Red Devils at the end of June, he will become a free agent and be able to negotiate terms with other clubs regarding a free transfer.