Pundit alarmed by Manchester United 'problem' between Ralf Rangnick and Jesse Lingard

Manchester United have been told they have a 'problem' to solve after Jesse Lingard contested claims made over his availability by Ralf Rangnick.

Lingard will not feature for United in their FA Cup fourth round tie with Middlesbrough tonight (8pm) after he was granted time away from Carrington.

That decision was taken after the 29-year-old saw a potential deadline day move to Newcastle blocked as former loan club West Ham also made a late attempt to sign him.

Speaking during his pre-match press conference, Rangnick claimed Lingard was afforded time off to 'clear his head' and, in turn, would will not be considered for selection against Championship opponents at Old Trafford.

However, the England forward has since contested that with comments made on social media.

In a message posted on Twitter, Lingard said: "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 per cent."

Speaking on radio station talkSPORT, pundit Ray Parlour said: "It doesn't help what Lingard's said on his Instagram [Twitter] account after he said that he wanted two days off.

"Someone is obviously not telling the truth. That's the problem you have got.

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"As for Jesse. Why would he come out with that straightaway? He's heard what he's [Rangnick] said and he had to then say; 'Wait a minute, I didn't want any days off. I'm fine. My head space is clear and I'm ready to go'.

"That is certainly a little bit of a problem."

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