Manchester United interim manager Ralf Rangnick has casually confirmed that Jesse Lingard will leave the club when his contract expires in the summer, in a chat with a fan outside Old Trafford.
Lingard has had a bit part role to play at United this season, managing just 88 minutes in the Premier League, and has been linked with a move away in January.
While a transfer this month remains a possibility, Rangnick has seemingly confirmed the midfielder won’t be offered a new deal at Old Trafford.
In a video posted to TikTok by user PhezTheRed, Rangnick is seen chatting with United supporters while signing autographs outside Old Trafford.
When the fan urges Rangnick not to sell Lingard, the German replies: “He will leave in the summer.”
United academy graduate Lingard has made 14 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring two goals.
He has found first-team opportunities hard to come by following the arrival of Cristiano Ronaldo and Jadon Sancho in the summer.
The England international has been strongly linked with Newcastle, who are keen to take him on loan until the end of the season.
Speaking earlier this month, Rangnick confirmed there was interest in the 29-year-old from a number of clubs.
“He’s a really good player, I see that in every training session. For me it's normal that other clubs like, for example, Newcastle show interest in him,” said Rangnick.
“I'm not the one who is dealing with that. I know there might be some interest from other clubs but if you ask me now what will happen in the next 10 days until the closure of the window, I can't answer that question I’m afraid.”
West Ham have also been linked with a move for Lingard, who enjoyed a successful six-month loan spell at the London Stadium last season.
He scored nine goals and provided four assists in 16 Premier League games for the Hammers.
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Rory O'Callaghan