‘My headspace is clear’ - Lingard refutes Rangnick claim

The England international saw a deadline day exit from Manchester United collapse after the club decided to block it.

Manchester United midfielder Jesse Lingard insists his ‘headspace is clear’ and that the club ‘advised’ him to take time off, not the other way round.

In a press conference on Thursday, Ralf Rangnick said Lingard requested a break to ‘clear his mind’. It came just days after a deadline day transfer to Newcastle collapsed. However, in a social media post later in the day, the player denied the interim manager’s claim.

“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,” he posted on Twitter.

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

— Jesse Lingard (@JesseLingard) February 3, 2022

Lingard, who will be out of contract in the summer, hasn’t started a Premier League game this season. With the 2022 World Cup in mind, he hoped to leave Old Trafford on loan in January. West Ham and Tottenham were interested, although United didn’t want to strengthen a top-four rival.

Therefore, Newcastle were the England international’s best bet. But United’s alleged demand for a £12 million Premier League survival bonus was too much, even for the Saudi-owned Magpies.

Rangnick’s side return to action on Friday evening in a fourth-round FA Cup tie against Championship side Middlesbrough.