Jesse Lingard's decision to hire Mino Raiola as his agent raised "alarm bells" with former Manchester United midfielder Darren Fletcher, who has a theory over the player's future.
The 27-year-old, who will be a free agent next summer, has been linked with a move throughout the window, with the likes of West Ham, Everton and Tottenham Hotspur all reportedly interested in his £30 million-rated services.
Despite making 40 appearances across all competitions last season, Lingard could only register four goals and two assists and, as a result, fell down the pecking order at Old Trafford.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer did, however, give the England international a chance to impress against Luton Town in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday night, but his future at the club somewhat overshadowed his performance.
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When asked about Lingard, former teammate Darren Fletcher suggested the appointment of Raiola back in January indicates the player is looking for a new club.
"It's unknown. The alarm bells started ringing for me when he appointed Mino Raiola as his agent. Now you don't appoint Mino Raiola as your agent if you're looking at staying at a club," Fletcher told Sky Sports.
"That suggests to me that he's looking for a move. He's not a starter in Manchester United's strongest team, he's a squad player now. Yes, he's come through the club and he's been there a long time.
"Maybe, he feels like he is ready for a new challenge and maybe he feels he is at an age now where he needs to be a starter, he can't be a squad player.
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"It will be interesting to see what happens between now and the end of the window."
Darren Bent, who joined Fletcher on the pundity panel for the Luton game, also backed Lingard to leave United this summer so he can get regular first-team football.
"For me Jesse's got to go and play football again," Bent said.
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"Not too long ago, he was one of England's main men, at the World Cup he was absolutely superb and he's kind of lost his way a bit now.
"I'd love to see someone like Jesse - he's getting on a bit now - go somewhere, play week in and week out. It's not going to be at United, it's going to be tough to leave.
"Go and show everyone you are still a good player and you've still got a big future with England."
Thoughts on Lingard's future? Does he need to leave Old Trafford?
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Let us know in the comments.
Featured Image Credit:Topics: Football News, Football, Manchester United, Transfers, Transfer news, Jesse Lingard, Darren Fletcher
