Interim Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has suggested it was not his decision to sanction time off for Jesse Lingard in the wake of a failed deadline-day move to Newcastle United.
The Magpies revived their interest in the England international on Monday after Stade de Reims forward Hugo Ekitike decided against a transfer.
However, United were unable to reach an agreement with the Red Devils for Lingard, and the attacker will remain at Old Trafford until his contract expires in the summer.
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The 29-year-old was not included in Manchester United's matchday squad for the surprise FA Cup fourth-round defeat at home to Championship side Middlesbrough on Friday night.
Jadon Sancho's opener was cancelled out by Matt Crooks' controversial equaliser, and promising forward Anthony Elanga missed in the penalty shootout to send Chris Wilder's side through.
Rangnick was once again asked about Lingard in the wake of the defeat, and the German boss insist he would have 'loved' to have been able to call upon the attacker.
He told reporters: "I told you what my information was and my knowledge was, and of course, I would have loved to have had Jesse in the squad.
"We were one outfield player less on the team sheet today, so why would I have allowed him to have four or five days off?
"I would have loved to have had him in the squad but it was not the case and therefore, it doesn't make sense to speak about players who were not available."
Rangnick's latest comments appear at odds with his previous response when asked about Lingard's availability.
He told reporters on Thursday ahead of the FA Cup tie: "He [Lingard] asked me and the club if we could give him a a couple of days off just to clear up his mind and he will be back in the group next Monday, back for training, and be a regular part of the whole squad again,"
Lingard himself announced on social media on the same day that he had been asked by the Red Devils to take time off for 'personal reasons'.
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He posted: "The club advised me to have time off due to personal reasons!
"But my headspace is clear and I’ll always be professional when called upon and give 100 percent."
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