Jesse Lingard given time off ‘to clear his mind’ after denied Manchester United exit, reveals Ralf Rangnick who says Paul Pogba could return for FA Cup clash vs Middlesbrough

Jesse Lingard has been given a few days off ‘to clear up his mind’, Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has confirmed, after the midfielder was denied a move away from the club during the January transfer window. 

There was reported interest from the likes of Newcastle and West Ham, where he spent six months on loan last season, but Lingard will now remain at from Old Trafford until the end of the season. 

It means Lingard will almost certainly depart Old Trafford and his boyhood club in the summer, when his contract expires.

And Rangnick revealed on Thursday that he has granted the 29-year-old’s request for some time off, meaning he will miss their FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough.

“He asked me and the club if we could give him a couple of days off just to clear up his mind and he will be back in the group next Monday,” the interim boss confirmed in his press conference ahead of Friday’s match – which is LIVE on talkSPORT.

“He’ll be back for training and then be a regular part of the whole squad again.” 

The German went on to explain why the midfielder remained at Old Trafford, stating that the England international ‘changed his mind’ about wanting to stay at the club. 

Rangnick went on to say that the ongoing situation surrounding Mason Greenwood had an impact on Lingard eventually not being allowed to leave. 

“Three weeks ago, Jesse didn’t want to leave and then he changed his mind,” the Red Devils boss added. 

“I had a chat with him about ten days ago and I could fully understand why he wanted to leave – so he could get some game time for his future and also for the World Cup. 

“I said to him, at the time, if he found a club he would like to play for and the club also finds a solution with our club, I would let him go and allow him to leave. 

“But, obviously, with all the development we had in the last couple of days, things changed a little bit. 

“On the other hand, we also had no agreement with any other club, so we had to make a final decision together with the board and we decided to keep Jesse until the end of the season.” 

Rangnick also spoke on Greenwood’s arrest, stating that it was a ‘topic’ amongst the squad, but hasn’t affected training ahead of their FA Cup tie.

“We’ve had a good and normal week of training with five training sessions, including today’s training,” he said. 

“Obviously, [the Greenwood situation] was a topic within the team, but they’re all human beings and Mason was part of the group until before the break. But as I said, it was a good week of training. 

“We could train under normal circumstances and we’re looking forward to the game tomorrow.” 

The manager also teased Paul Pogba could return to Man United’s starting XI against Middlesbrough, in what would be his first appearance under the interim boss.

The interim boss briefly said: “Paul will be in the group – he might even be in the starting XI.”