Manchester United confirm Jesse Lingard exit

Manchester United have confirmed that Jesse Lingard will be departing the club at the end of June.

The 29-year-old has spent over a decade as a professional at Old Trafford, the midfielder going on to make 232 appearances in all competitions.

During that period, Lingard contributed 35 goals and 21 assists, the most notable effort being the winning goal in the 2016 FA Cup final against Crystal Palace.

However, it has long been known that the England international will leave United this summer having barely made a Premier League start under Ole Gunnar Solskjaer or Ralf Rangnick.

Lingard ended the 2021-22 campaign having made just four starts and 18 substitute appearances, his last outing coming as a substitute during a 3-1 defeat at Arsenal on April 23.

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Much was made of Lingard not being provided with an opportunity to say goodbye to the Old Trafford crowd during the final home game against Brentford on May 2, Rangnick receiving criticism from the player's brother.

Nevertheless, with just a month remaining on his contract, United have release an official statement to acknowledge that the academy graduate would be leaving later this summer.

After listing Lingard's achievements, it concluded: "We'd like to take this opportunity to thank Jesse for all of the memories he's helped create during his two decades here and wish him the best of luck in his future career."

Lingard is now expected to take his time before making a final decision on the next phase of his career, his priority likely to be first-team football over moving to a high-profile team to act as a squad member.

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West Ham United appear to be a realistic destination, Lingard having contributed nine goals during 16 Premier League starts during a loan spell last season.

Newcastle United may also enter the running with the Magpies having been close to signing Lingard on loan in January before United had a change of heart over progressing a deal.

While AC Milan and Juventus have also been heavily linked with an approach, Lingard may not hold down a regular spot in either first XI as they compete for the Serie A title and Champions League.

Lingard's departure has been announced on the same day as that of Paul Pogba's exit, the two former youth team stars both leaving as free agents.