Manchester United boss Ralf Rangnick has moved to quash speculation of a fallout between him and Jesse Lingard following the latter’s failed January transfer exit.
Lingard, 29, had hoped to be granted a move away from Old Trafford, having played just 88 Premier League minutes all season.
However, despite being linked with a host of top-flight clubs, the England international saw a deadline day move blocked due to Mason Greenwood’s absence.
“Three weeks ago, Jesse didn't want to leave, then he changed his mind,” Rangnick explained last week. “I had a chat with him 10 days ago and I could fully understand why he wanted to leave, to get game time for his future and the World Cup.
“I told him if he finds a club and the club find a solution with our club, I would allow him to leave, then with all the developments, things changed.”
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It was then suggested by Rangnick that the player had requested to have a few days off to “clear his mind”, meaning he missed the FA Cup clash with Middlesbrough on Friday night.
Lingard himself strongly refuted those claims, adding fuel to the fire of a potential row between the pair.
However, speaking ahead of Tuesday night’s game with Burnley at Turf Moor, the German has said there are “no problems whatsoever” between the pair and he will be involved.
Edinson Cavani is also set to be involved against the Clarets after being granted an additional period of acclimation following the international break.
"They're both available and will both be part of the squad for tomorrow's game at Burnley. Both are top profs, both have been training well,” Rangnick explained.
"With regards to Jesse, I have a very good relationship with him, he knows I would have been willing to let him go at least until the issue with Mason came up, he mentioned some personal issues.
"We have to look forward now, there are no problems whatsoever between myself and Jesse and vice versa. I'm very happy to have him in the squad and he'll be in the squad for tomorrow night's game."
Rangnick’s update comes after United legend Roy Keane weighed in on the situation, stating he felt that the blame lay with Lingard, rather than the club.
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Lingard enjoyed a stunning spell with West Ham last term and many expected him to remain in East London, only to come back to his boyhood club on a promise from Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of more opportunities.
But Keane thinks the forward, who will become a free agent at the end of the season, missed the boat to leave the club and is now paying the cost.
"He should have gone last summer, end of story," Keane said. "He had his chance. He played some games, proved what he is about, went to West Ham and got a run, having not played much football.
"People get bogged down by contract talk. He wants to leave, he wants to leave on a free but you have to play the games.
"He can complain all he wants, it is not ideal between Jesse and the club at the moment.
"Last summer was his opportunity, he should have taken it."
