2020 has been a tough year for everyone around the world, but for most professional footballers in England they have had the comfort of continuing to play the sport they love.
Granted, there was a three-month period where elite-level competition came to a halt, but for the most part it was business as usual once the Premier League was given the green light to resume.
Unfortunately, not everyone has seen the minutes on the pitch he has already done, and that certainly applies to Manchester United attacking midfielder Jesse Lingard. Once considered one of the club’s most underrated players, due to his incredible pace of work and his talent at showing up in big games, the 28-year-old has fallen out of favor.
Now Lingard is unable to find his way into United squads, and he hasn’t played a single minute of Premier League football since last July. He has only scored one goal in two years and even teamed up – then split up – with notorious super agent Mino Raiola in a bid to find a new club.
Amid links with a transfer to Sheffield United on loan, the Manchester Evening News notes that Lingard is no longer seen as a ‘central part’ of the United squad and has essentially been left out of the first squad photo .
Taking his place, so to speak, is new signing Amad Diallo, who arrived at Old Trafford after bursting onto the scene to entertain Serie A side Atalanta. From United’s perspective, there is a known drive to reduce squad fat, and that’s what Solskjaer alluded to when he was recently asked about Lingard’s future.
Man United have confirmed Amad Diallo’s signing is finalized! ✍️?
It’s time to find out everything you need to know about the youngster … pic.twitter.com/J5WsvTAg1S
– 90min (at 90min_Football) January 7, 2021
“I don’t want to talk about individuals, but we can probably allow one or two more,” said the Norwegian. “But one of the strengths that we have is that we have a deep team, a deep strength. We don’t want to lose our advantage by turning away from our players. ”
Lingard isn’t short on suitors – he’s been linked with Tottenham, West Ham, Porto and Nice too – but the only thing that could keep him in the Northwest longer than he wants is His salary. Even before the coronavirus pandemic was a thing, they were seen as a potential hurdle for any team looking to buy it – and United could be forced to subsidize the payment of some of their money if a loan offer is made. filed.
