Ralf Rangnick Hits Back At 'Classless' Comments Made By Jesse Lingard's Brother In Press Conference

Ralf Rangnick has not held back when responding to comments made by Jesse Lingard's brother about not giving the player a proper farewell.

Earlier this week, Lingard's brother labelled Manchester United as "classless" in a scathing social media post after the academy product was an unused substitute in the club's final home game of the season against Brentford.

Louie Scott believes his sibling should have been given a proper send off in front of over 70,000 fans at Old Trafford.

"20 years of blood sweat and tears, 4 domestic trophies, 3 cup final goal, not even a farewell," Scott wrote on his private Instagram story. "No wonder it's Conference League next year.

"Attacking players for celebrations when the clubs being sold to the super league ok. Class of 92, Busby Babes, you're ran by people who don't even know the offside trap. Classless and the fans need to realise. Goodnight, godbless!

"Been there since nine years of age and didn't even get a send off!!! Well done bro your family are proud."

Ranginck has since responded to comments made by Lingard's brother.

In a press conference on Friday afternoon, he explained the situation in detail while dismissing claims it was "classless" not to give Lingard a farewell at Old Trafford.

"To start with, I think in the last couple of weeks under my tenure he has played far more games than he used to before I came," Rangnick stressed. "Number two: on game day against Chelsea he contacted me in the hotel and asked me to release him from the game and to also release him from the training session the following day and two days after the Chelsea game for personal family reasons. And I also allowed him to do that.

"And this was the reason with only three subs, unfortunately - in the other leagues you have five subs - I had to take a decision between bringing on Edinson Cavani or Jesse Lingard, or even the young Alejandro Garnacho, whom I would have loved to have brought on and given a chance after going 3-0 up with 15 minutes to play. But I took the decision to bring on Edinson for the very reasons I just explained to you.

"Had I not brought on someone maybe someone else might have posted it was classless not to bring on Edinson Cavani or somebody else might have posted 'why didn't the manager bring on the young Alejandro Garnacho?' With only three subs and two already done, you have to take a decision and this will not be to the liking of everybody, this is also part of the game.

"To be honest, I'm not reading a lot, I've not had the time in the last six months to read, I'm not Instagram, as you know, I'm not on Facebook, I'm not engaged in those areas.

"My focus has always been here, with my coaching staff, to develop the team. In those days with social media, there is always somebody posting something and it's important for us at the club not to take too much notice of that. Unless it's the player himself, it might be a different story."

🗣️ "On game day against Chelsea he contacted me and asked me to release him from the game and the training session."

Ralf Rangnick discusses his decision not to play Jesse Lingard in #MUFC's final game at Old Trafford after comments were made by the player's brother. pic.twitter.com/JQw4bcUYeM

— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) May 6, 2022

Here's how social media reacted to Rangnick's response.

One fan said: "If asked, then Rangnick will always say it as it is. What’s happened on the pitch hasn’t been good enough but you cannot deny Ralf has made the players take responsibility for themselves after a decade hiding behind countless managers."

Another wrote: "Ralph has exposed players since he come in. He says things as it is and makes sure people know what goes on."

A third simply commented: "Well said, Ralf."

Rangnick said he's given Lingard more games recently and explains it was his last sub against Brentford so had to bring on Cavani.

Literally saying, sorry pal.. you and your brother can't throw me under the bus and expect me to keep quiet. LOL. Keep going, Ralf #mufc

— UtdFaithfuls (@UtdFaithfuls) May 6, 2022

Lingard is set to end his 20-year association with United this summer, with AC Milan and Juventus said to be 'leading the chase' to sign the player on a free transfer.

Paris Saint-Germain and Newcastle United are also reportedly interested.