Four players set to miss Manchester United’s clash with Middlesbrough but Paul Pogba set to feature
Jesse Lingard is among three set to miss Manchester United’s FA Cup fourth-round tie with Middlesbrough.
The Englishman was denied a move away on transfer deadline day, despite interest from Newcastle and West Ham United, and will now likely run down the final six months of his contract before leaving as a free agent.
🚨 Jesse Lingard has been told by Man Utd he will not be allowed to leave before transfer window shuts. Despite Newcastle & West Ham pushing for #DeadlineDay loan, 29yo will stay at #MUFC + go into the final 6 months of his deal @TheAthleticUK #NUFC #WHUFC https://t.co/KkpEZjuRWZ
— David Ornstein (@David_Ornstein) January 31, 2022
And, speaking in his pre-match press conference, Ralf Rangnick has revealed that Lingard has since asked for a few days off in order to ‘clear his mind’ following the disappointment, which was in part driven by Mason Greenwood’s arrest and subsequent suspension from Manchester United.
Meanwhile, Edinson Cavani, Eric Bailly and Victor Lindelof are all also unavailable through injury issues of their own.
Ralf Rangnick on Lingard situation: “Jesse has asked to be off until Monday to clear his mind”. 🔴 #MUFC
“He didn’t leave because we had problem with Mason Greenwood – and also because of the club not finding agreement with another club”, Rangnick added. pic.twitter.com/qFUyL60ypD
— Fabrizio Romano (@FabrizioRomano) February 3, 2022
Pogba to return and Shaw to start
However, Paul Pogba is set to return to the squad following months out with injury, in what could potentially be his first outing under new boss Rangnick. The Frenchman sustained an injury while on international duty in October, and is yet to appear for the Red Devils since as his contract situation rumbles on in the background.
Ralf Rangnick says Paul Pogba will be involved for @ManUtd against Middlesbrough tomorrow and ‘could start’. Edinson Cavani given extra time off following international duty. Eric Bailly has ankle problem, so both out.
— Simon Stone (@sistoney67) February 3, 2022
Meanwhile, Luke Shaw is also set to start, with Alex Telles having played on Tuesday night for Brazil and having only returned to Manchester on Wednesday evening.
