Jesse Lingard has five months at Manchester United to show potential suitors his worth

Despite multiple clubs being interested in his signature, Jesse Lingard didn't get to leave Old Trafford in the January window. With only five months left on his contract, whatever game time he does get will be a chance to prove to those potential suitors that he is worth picking up on a free in summer.

This version of Lingard would be the best-case scenario for Manchester United. They have already relinquished their final opportunity to secure a fee for the player by rejecting Newcastle United's approaches in January.

However, Lingard's 'last dance' at United didn't get off to the best start. Like Anthony Martial before him, Ralf Rangnick stated that the English midfielder had asked to be left out of the squad and given a few extra days off, which he denied on social media.

In his most recent press conference, Rangnick has looked to clear the air saying:

"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."

He also stated that Edinson Cavani would be available after the Uruguayan forward returned late from international duty. Both players will be invaluable after a lack of options off the bench was a cause for concern in United's FA Cup fixture against Middlesbrough.

Lingard has played a limited number of minutes this season (269) but scored two goals in the Premier League, including a winner against West Ham United, the club which he had reignited his career on loan last season.

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